Model advocates for the earth
Wendy Dlezi is in the running for Miss Earth South Africa and she was tasked with planting trees in September.
In observing Arbor Month, Wendy Dlezi recently planted 20 trees in three schools in the KwaNzimakwe area.
National Arbor Month, which is commemorated in September annually, is aimed at raising awareness and sensitising South Africans about the need to conserve, protect, and plant trees for environmental and human-related benefits.
Dlezi is in the running for Miss Earth South Africa and she was tasked with planting trees in September.
Originally from KwaNzimakwe, Dlezi said she wants to win Miss Earth South Africa so that she can advocate for the protection of the earth, water and air at national and global levels.
“My interest in modelling started in 2009 after I entered and won Miss Wagon. Back then, I didn’t even know what a wagon was but I was just excited about the reign. It came after my father’s eldest daughter was crowned Miss Bheki High School (Monica Barett). She and my cousin encouraged me to start modelling as well. My passion for modelling developed but opportunities and competitions were scarce around the South Coast back then,” she said.
Dlezi added that as an aspiring environmental lawyer, it is her responsibility to make sure that the environment is protected.
She said people are not aware of the harm that they are causing to the planet or the effects and dangers of pollution.
She said there is only one earth therefore it is everyone’s responsibility to look after it.
“South Coast people need to go back to recycling and reducing waste; back to food gardens and practise using cruelty-free and environmentally-friendly products. It is very important to plant trees because this is another solution to climate change. Trees are an entire ecosystem. They provide habitats and food for mammals, birds, and insects, and support fungi and other microorganisms to help maintain healthy soils. They give us oxygen or clean air and reduce noise pollution. They reverse the loss of forests for the health of our planet and every living thing,” said Dlezi.
The Bloom Pot in Ramsgate donated the trees to Dlezi.
Shaneil van der Merwe of the Bloom Pot said after Dlezi approached them about planting trees, they had to donate to her because they encourage such activities.
Meanwhile, Dlezi said her goals include seeing her name on the A-listers board when one mentions the best, black and female-owned law firms in the future.
“But most importantly, I want to be remembered for how many lives I have touched and changed. I have recently registered my NPO called Womenspace South Africa. The organisation aims to empower career-driven women across South Africa. Womenspace is available in Gqeberha, Port Sheptone, Bloemfontein and Cape Town,” said Dlezi.
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