Marné Thompson is crowned Miss Polokwane Observer Cover Girl

Marné Thompson, a Grade 12 learner at Hoërskool Piet Potgieter in Mokopane was crowned Miss Polokwane Observer Cover Girl during the pageant final hosted by Katryn Celliers owner of Limpopo Beauty Modeling Academy at Meropa Casino & Entertainment World on Saturday evening.
Marné showed all the qualities of a good model – interesting looks, a great level of confidence on the ramp and answering every question from the judging panel with aplomb.
She succeeds Ronnel Homu from Hoërskool Merensky who won the title last year and who handed Marné the crown.
Marné’s mother, Marieta spoke on her behalf and said her daughter was elated to have won the title and is looking forward to be an ambassador for Polokwane Observer. She reportedly said she never expected to win. “It was a tough competition but I am happy to have won the title,’ Marné was quoted to have said.
The other category winners are Cassey-Lee Butler, Little Miss Polo­kwane Observer 4-6 years, Mathapelo Kekana, Little Miss Polokwane Observer, 7-9 years and Refilwe Malatji, Miss Polokwane Observer, 13 to 15 years.
The dazzling event was indeed a night to remember with over 300 guests present and a record of
53 308 SMS votes cast in the Public Choice category. There were lots of stunning gifts worth thousands of Rand, imported rhinestone tiara’s as well as cash prizes of
R10 000. The Polokwane Observer Cover Girl contest has officially become the biggest pageant in the province. Not only did the top three in each category each receive a gift hamper, sash and crown, but the winner also received R1 000 in cash, the first runner-up R500 and the second runner-up R300 each.
Celliers said entrants were judged over three rounds: One-on-one interviews with the four judges, Smart Casual wear which included their introduction and an on-stage question as well as evening wear.
“The models all looked fabulous which made the judges’ task even harder. They were judging the models on all aspects of modelling from their smile and eye-contact, to ramp skills, public speaking skills, beauty and grooming as well as their confidence and ambassador quality to name a few points on the judging criteria.”
The panel consisted of Yolande Nel – Editor Polo­kwane Observer, Lelo Mkansi a former Miss Limpopo, Deepa Dada, Manager at Perfect 10 Mall of the North and Sanet Blignaut Sales Representative at Polo­kwane Observer.
“We would like to thank our Sponsors: Audi Centre Polokwane, our main sponsor, Polokwane Observer, Meropa Casino, Limpopo Beauty Modelling Academy, Kiley Kreations Make-up, Alila Make-up Stockist Limpopo, Jonel Erasmus Hair & Make-up and Perfect 10 Mall of the North.
Ohlotse Modise Won the Overall Public Choice Award with an astonishing 8 276 votes. She won the
R5 000 trip to the annual Limpopo Beauty Modeling Academy Durban Photo shoot from 2 to 5 December which included return flights and accommodation,” informed Celliers.
“I am humbled to see the amount of support our local models are receiving and I am truly proud of each and every contestant, for having the courage and determination to compete in such a big competition, every girl looked breath-taking. This pageant provides young girls with a platform to build their confidence and to become the best possible version of themselves, seeing that transformation on stage is a wonderful experience,” Celliers remarked.
She also added during the pageant they raised lots of canned food for the Phontsho Disability Centre in Lebowakgomo which the winners will hand out soon.
Little Miss Polokwane Observer 4-6 years
Winner: Cassey-Lee Butler
1st Princess: Pheladi Ngoasheng
2nd Princess: Bonolo Makgoba
Miss Interview: Cassey-Lee Butler
Miss Evening Wear: Bonolo Makgoba
Miss Public Choice: Ohlotse Modise (8 276 votes)
Miss Polokwane Observer Junior 7-9 years
Winner: Mathapelo Kekana
1st Princess: Nia van Zyl
2nd Princess: Nsovo Mchavi
Miss Interview: Nsovo Mchavi
Miss Evening Wear: Mathapelo Kekana
Miss Public Choice: Nia van Zyl
(5 493 votes)
Miss Polokwane Observer Junior
Teen 10-12 years
Winner: Wilita Lee
1st Princess: Washu Hlabioa
2nd Princess: Kamogelo Makgato
Miss Interview: Kamogelo Makgato
Miss Evening Wear: Washu Hlabioa
Miss Public Choice: Moshibudi Manyaka
(3 758 votes)
Miss Polokwane Observer Teen 13-15 years
Winner: Refilwe Malatji
1st Princess:Tshepiso Mphidi
2nd Princess: Lethabo Tabane
Miss Interview: Refilwe Malatji
Miss Evening Wear: Refilwe Malatji
Miss Public Choice: Refilwe Malatji (6 580 votes)
Miss Polokwane Observer
16-24 years
Winner: Marné Thompson
1st Princess: Joe-nan Mokwena
2nd Princess: Sukoluhle Sibanda
Miss Interview: Marné Thompson
Miss Evening Wear: Marné Thompson
Miss Public Choice: Marné Thompson

Story & photos: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert.observer@gmail.com