POLOKWANE – Young girls at some stage trudge around in their mothers’ shoes and enjoy putting on make-up.
Franca Pretorius was not one of them. She not only played in her mother’s shoes, she now follows in her footsteps as she too participates in beauty pageants.
Franca and her mother, Martina recently competed in the Mr & Miss/Mrs Limpopo – Mzantsi Africa competition that took place in Johannesburg and both walked away with the crowns.
“Franca entered both of us into the competition, I was surprised to find out she had done that,” Martina explains.
“I haven’t been on the ramp in 25 years but learned that you are never too old to do what you love,” she continues.
Franca was named Teen Miss Limpopo and her mother was named Mrs Limpopo.
Franca says her mother used to take part in pageants when she was younger and wanted her to have the experience.
She sees it as something they can enjoy together.
“I started modelling at a very young age and took part in many pageants. I won my first competition at age six. It was the Mej. Biltongfees competition.
“From the moment I set foot on a ramp for the first time, I knew this was something I was good at and wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Martina tells Review.
Martina says Franca has a passion for modelling and for her, it is not just about the crown but also the opportunity to give back to the community.
“I did not realise the competition was such a big event. The judges were Mr Gauteng, Miss Gauteng, Miss Mzanzi Africa and Miss Johannesburg.
“It is a wonderful platform and a working title. That means if we do not do do our part, the title and crown will be taken away form us,” Martina explains.
She says she and Franca will be involved with the Mfundo Care project. According to Martina, a piece of land will be bought on which a pre-school will be built on. Children will receive care, two meals a day and clothes at the centre.
“Pregnant teens and abuse victims will also receive help at the centre,” Martina says.
Franca will join forces with ICollege in awarding 20 deserving students with bursaries worth R480 000 in total.
She will also be involved with the elderly.
Martina, who has a passion for children, is the organiser of many pageants such as the Face of Dischem, Face of Savannah, Kierieklapperfees and Polokwane Show Queen. She says it is hard work or organise pageants and round up sponsors but she continues to do it because it is all for a good cause.
“I believe you should keep working toward your goals and never settle. The competition serves a purpose and you have to do set out to do.
“Participating in pageants gives you the platform to make a difference in the loves of others,” Martina says.
Franca is in Gr 11 and home schooled. She says she is responsible for getting her work done and that has taught her to be responsible and how to manage her time properly and she plays tennis to keep fit.
“I know it is a competition and I can’t always win so when someone else wins, I go up to them and congratulate them,” she tells Review.
“Our lives are an adventure. Our hearts belong to God, He is our final destination. People worry too much. Don’t think, just do. You will learn as you go along,” Martina advises.
Franca says she was taken aback when she won the crown.
“The competition was tough, but I thank God I won. It was a great experience,” Franca concluded.
