Maraisburg’s Riany crowned as Ms Africa 2019
She also won the Ms Face of Africa 2019 and Ms Transcontinental 2019 titles
“This title will help me to start an organisation where women and children will have a voice in the community and be able to reach their full potential and purpose.”
These are the words of the 30-year-old Riany van der Merwe, who was crowned as Ms Africa 2019 during a recent gala evening. She was also crowned as Ms Face of Africa 2019 and Ms Transcontinental 2019.
Riany, who entered the pageant because she wanted to be an inspiration to all young girls and women who have lost their identity because of past experiences, said that she felt very blessed to have won, and proud that all her hard work and commitment have paid off.
She added that since her childhood in Kliptown, she knew that she was destined for a greater purpose, and said, “Being crowned as the new Ms Africa is like a dream come true. Now I will be able to fulfil my dream of helping others”.”
Riany believes that this title will help her to start an organisation where women and children will have a voice in the community and be able to reach their full potential and purpose.
She added that children are very close to her heart, and it is evident through the charity work she is doing in the community. “I am working on getting sponsors for the Dignity Dreams packs and desk bags for underprivileged children. Dignity Dreams packs consist of reusable and washable sanitary pads, that are given to underprivileged girls to help keep them in school. The desk bags are given to children in the community, where there are no desks or tables available for them to do their homework. Education is a fundamental principle in life, and I want to show children that there is fun education through sport and art,” she explained.
Riany describes herself as a fun-loving, great to be around person who loves children, reading and teaching, all attributes which she believes will help her with all the different tasks that lie ahead.
“There is a lot of other community work that I am also required to do, and even though it is a lot of hard work, I am very excited, as this is my opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and implement change wherever I go,” she said.
Her message to women who would also like to make a difference, but are not sure about entering a pageant, is simple, “Just enter, and don’t worry about your past mistakes or what hurt you. I know that most of us are scared of change and taking risks, but in life you only need a ‘yes’ from yourself. Believe in yourself and you will persevere.”
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