Taahira crowned Miss Teen SA Gauteng
Her first modelling experience and she walks away with the title.
Katz has never entered any modelling competitions and had no training until April after she was announced as a finalist.
“I was laying on the bed with my mother and saw the competition was open.
“I asked my mother if I could enter and she said yes,” Katz said.
Her photo was chosen from thousands of entrants giving her the opportunity to model for judges in the semi-final round.
The 16-year-old from Bushkoppies also won the category for Best Dressed Circus Wear.
Katz said she felt intimidated by the other models as they are more experienced and she wasn’t well informed on the modelling world.
“There were some days I felt confident but I was overwhelmed with the formal wear,” said Katz.
Katz plans on getting as many sponsorships as she can in order to work with charities.
Her focus is speaking to youth on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, she will also speak to youth on teenage pregnancy.
Katz is also a good swimmer and says that promoting swimming will be one of her priorities.
As an ambassador for Gauteng, Katz says she aims to work closely with the Mayor.
Community leaders wished her well and congratulated her on her achievement.
Katz has her eye on the Miss South Africa crown.
Liesl Laurie, Miss South Africa, advised Katz to focus on passing matric and once she has a degree should focus on modelling.
“I salute Taahira for entering and winning, we need more people like her to shine a light on Eldorado Park.
“It takes a lot to enter such a huge competition and by her doing so, it shows she has guts,” Laurie said.
She said it makes sense to enter the competition at such a tender age but to enter Miss SA, Laurie advises that Katz take to be an adult and wait to enter until she is around 22-years-old.
“One is more mature at that age,” Laurie said.
She wishes Katz everything of the best for her journey as Miss Junior Teen SA.
“Congratulations to Taahira, I am really proud of her,” said Laurie.
She thanks the community, her school Kliptown Secondary School and family for their support and votes.
