Category Archives: Catherine Constantinides

Highlighting the work of my Superhero Catherine Constantinides

Miss Earth South Africa Heads for Manila…

Miss Earth South Africa 2024, Jessica Amy Nell

Miss Earth South Africa Heads for Manilla… The recently announce Miss Earth South Africa 2024, Jessica Nel heads to Manilla, Philippines this week to participate in one of the top 4 international beauty pageants. The Miss Earth South Africa is a leadership and empowerment programme that boasts 21 Years of Impact in serving people and planet. Jessica Nel is a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion, a Graphic Designer and Social Media Manager by day, Nel also has her national colours for choir, she is a drum majorette star and has her advanced diving licence. She is a thrill seeker at heart with horse-riding, sky-diving and deep sea-diving amongst her favourite hobbies. She is a soft-spoken individual with a Proudly South African Heritage that she believes we all need to fight for and protect.

The Miss Earth South Africa leadership programme proudly celebrates its different partnerships that have contributed to their 21year success. Longtime partner Southern Sun, Samsonite and Cathay Pacific have assisted in making things happen and have contributed to preparing Jessica for her international trip. Samsonite have given this Green Queen an exquisite three piece, upcycled luggage set. Her ticket has been provided by Cathay Pacific and they will be wishing her a safe flight to represent our beautiful country on an international platform.

“On the back of the announcement, I would like to congratulate the Miss Earth South Africa Programme, now in its 21st year of Impact. Southern Sun is consciously committed to integrating best environmental practices into our core business strategy, and we try to ensure that our conduct meets the needs of the present, while minimising the cost to future generations,” said Candy Tothill Kruger, Southern Sun’s Corporate Affairs Management Consultant. “On behalf of Southern Sun we extend our warmest Congratulations to Jessica Nel, our new Miss Earth South Africa and we wish her the best of luck as she represents the nation at the International Miss Earth in the Philippines.”

More than an ordinary beauty pageant, Miss Earth South Africa has been at the forefront of promoting environmental sustainability and empowering young women to be environmental advocates. “We are trying to plant seeds in the minds of young children and regular citizen who want to do more for the environment, they are just not sure how. We say, “Start with putting on your Green Glasses” look around you for ways to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink and Respect Mother Nature.” Says co-director Ella Bella Leite. “For over two decades, Miss Earth has been a global platform that showcases not only the graceful elegance of its’ finalists but also their dedication to making their country a greener, more sustainable place. This unique programme encourages participants to actively engage in community activities that address critical environmental issues, thereby fostering a sense of responsibility and sustainability”, explains co-director, Catherine Constantinides.

The international event will be staged in Manila, Philippines on November 9, 2024. Catch Jessica’s overseas journey on the Miss Earth’s profile page on Instagram @missearth_sa #MissEarth2024 Make-Up was done by, ‘Beauty by Rica’; hair was done by ‘Hair In Stoffels Chair’ and L’ANZA Healing Hair SA.

For more information on the Miss Earth South Africa, be sure to follow us on the platforms below. Instagram:

@missearth_sa // Twitter: @missearth_sa // Facebook: Miss Earth South Africa // TikTok: @missearth_sa

Sustainable Fashion Warrior Takes Miss Earth South Africa Title…

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The Sandton Convention Centre was alive and illuminating with the magic of South African designers on Saturday night when Jessica Nel of Centurion was announced Miss Earth South Africa 2024 as the leadership programme celebrated its 21 Years of Impact. Four exceptional women who have demonstrated their commitment to protecting and conserving our precious natural environment will now continue their green journey as earth warriors for the nation.

Jessica Nel is a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion, a Graphic Designer and Social Media Manager by Day, Nel also has her national colours for choir, she is a drum majorette star and her advance diving licence. She is a thrill seeker at heart with horse-riding, sky-diving and deep sea-diving amongst her favourite hobbies.

The 25-year-old beauty is flanked by Joy Magagula, a lawyer from Cape Town, Justine Munusamy of Ekurhuleni and Thembisile Mathebula of Johannesburg who is an art student whose passion for art and sustainability is pulpable.

The Miss Earth South Africa leadership programme proudly celebrated its’ 21^st anniversary at the gala dinner hosted by Southern Sun, a longtime partner of the organisation. More than an ordinary beauty pageant, Miss Earth South Africa has been at the forefront of promoting environmental sustainability and empowering young women to be environmental advocates.

For two decades, Miss Earth has been a global platform that showcases not only the graceful elegance of its finalists but also their dedication to making their country a greener, more sustainable place. This unique programme encourages participants to actively engage in community activities that address critical environmental issues, thereby fostering a sense of responsibility and sustainability. The winners of this year’s Miss Earth South Africa have not only exemplified active citizenry but have also embraced the ideals of environmental stewardship. Their dedication to community and environmental causes is a testament to the programme’s mission and its impact over the past twenty years.

Amongst endless achievements, the organisation is proud of the 57 000 trees they have planted to date and the extensive environmental, educational and sustainability projects spearheaded by the organisation. Their #WasteStopsWithME, #SaveWater and many other campaigns have fitted perfectly into a national agenda of climate action and the year that lies ahead will be no different.

The National Finalists and Winners have been spoilt with gifts and treatments from Skin Renewal, Europa Art, Lanza by Bloom brands, Crystal Forum provided customised gifts for the evening as well as gorgeous CrystalPJewellery for the finalists, judges and winners. Padel sessions from 10×20 Padel Courts, Cinema tickets for the year from Cine Centre, magnificent flower bouquets from Lou Lou D, Treatments from Astro Spa, Silverlining gumboots, gifts from Panier Des Sens, Perfumes from Bach and Co. and David Green Eyewear. Gifts from C-Spa, Iwori Products and Nestle also filled their gift bags.

The winner receives luggage from Samsonite and will be flown to the 2024 International Miss Earth event by Cathay Pacific, their international airline partner. The international event will be staged in Manila, Philippines on November 9, 2024.

African Anthology has been a long-standing partner of this leadership programme and hosted finalists at Kubu in Hoedspruit earlier this year, with a keen focus on conservation and wildlife preservation. GebCo 3sixty and Wildroute Environmental have been proud greening partners to the organisation and alongside Servest,

Newsclip Media Monitoring and SAPPI.

The gala dinner hosted by Southern Sun was beautifully executed with eventing partners such as 321 Systems, Over The Top Eventing, Two-Way Exhibition and Events and world class jazz entertainment by George Sax. Finalists make-up was done by students of Face2Face International Beauty and Make-Up Academy and hair was done by ‘Hair In Stoffels Chair’ and Lanza.

This leadership programme remains committed to its core values of promoting environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability. The programme’s continued success reflects the global community’s growing awareness of the urgent need to protect our natural world in the fight against climate change. In the year ahead the organisation will continue to focus on clean-up campaigns across the country, sustainability empowered workshops for the communities in which they have strong holds, environmental advocacy in their schools and a continued focus on waste, ocean protection, food security, fast fashion and sustainability initiatives.

We congratulate the four extraordinary winners of this year’s Miss Earth South Africa and commend them for their dedication to creating a more environmentally sustainable future. Their achievements embody the essence of Miss Earth – leadership with a purpose.

Zama Mbatha; Former Winner 2023; Catherine Constantinides; Kayan Leung Former Winner; Jessica Nel, Miss Earth South Africa 2024; Candy Tothill, Head of Marketing at Southern Sun; Joy Magagula, Runner Up; Justine Munusamy, Second Runner Up; Thembi Mathebula, Third Runner Up; Duduzile Mbobo, Former Winner 2023.

For more information on the Miss Earth South Africa, be sure to follow us on the platforms below.

Instagram: @missearth_sa

Twitter: @missearth_sa

Facebook: Miss Earth South Africa

TikTok: @missearth_sa

Miss Earth South Africa Celebrates 21 Years of Impact

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The Miss Earth South Africa programme plants 21 trees celebrating 21 Years of Impact

In celebration of Arbour Month and World Tourism Day, the Miss Earth South Africa Leadership programme; embarked on a tree planting initiative that captured the spirit of environmental stewardship and community engagement.

The initiative took place in the heart of Soweto, where a dedicated team of volunteers, local community members, and our sustainability partners; Samsonite, Afritree and Gebco; gathered at Lulama Primary School and Asha Dawn Pre-Primary School. The day was marked by the planting of 21 trees. The Karee Tree was chosen as it is the tree of the year. This tree provides food for birds and insects; thus enhancing the local biodiversity and in years to come it will support and restore the region’s ecological balance, while at the same time creating a natural soil stabilisation and increasing infiltration of the soil, thus reducing erosion and raising the levels of the water table. These indigenous trees create a greener environmental space.

Catherine Constantinides; the director of the Miss Earth South Africa; stated that; “Arbour Month is a time to reflect on the importance of trees and their role in our environment. We are thrilled to be part of this movement, making a tangible impact by planting trees that will contribute to our community for years to come.” She also added, “We are grateful to be working with Samsonite, Afritree and Gebco, in this community which is so close to our hearts.”

The day was filled with educational activities aimed at raising awareness pertaining to the benefits of tree planting and the vital role that trees play in combating climate change. Attendees participated in workshops and discussions led by environmental experts, who emphasised the need for collective action to preserve our planet in the words of Ella Bella Leite; co-director of the organisation; “Our objective is to serve people and to serve planet. We must focus on a greener way of life in everything that we do.”

This initiative not only contributed to the beautification of the local landscape but also reinforced the organisation’s dedication to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and climate action. The success of the event underscored the power of grassroots efforts in driving positive change and inspired many to take actionable steps toward protecting our planet.

The Miss Earth South Africa is proud to have planted 56 267 trees across South Africa in the past two decades. Mr Lucas Khumalo, the principal of Lulama Primary stated that, “We love to work with the Miss Earth South Africa and are excited to be the recipient school for this year’s arbour planting. I believe that a productive environment, leads to a productive education. We are also proud to be starting an orchard of fruit trees together. Twelve fruit trees have been planted and this will add to our school’s food kitchen.”

Miss Earth South Africa will be announced at the Southern Sun, Sandton Convention Centre on Saturday, 5^th October. Please follow us on social media @missearth_sa.

My Superhero Catherine Constantinides Wins Big at Glamour South Africa’s Women of the Year Awards

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My Superhero Catherine Constantinides at Glamour South Africa’s Women of the Year Awards (Image credit @thesatarsisters_photography on Instagram and Catherine Constantinides (@changeagentsa on Instagram)

“Those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23: 12

Two days ago at Glamour South Africa‘s Women of the Year Awards My Superhero Catherine Constantinides, who has devoted her life to serving others both locally and globally, was honoured with a Humanitarian Game Changer Award. I’m so proud of her she truly deserves it I sincerely feel like MY Christmas came a month early. My heart is full!!

Below is the official statement released by My Superhero Catherine Constantinides‘s team:

South African Sweetheart, Scoops Award

@ChangeAgentSA, climate activist and agent of change; who showcases a life that is shaped and moulded by a relentless passion for people and planet. GLAMOUR Women of the Year 2023, HUMANITARIAN Game Changer Award goes to Catherine Constantinides. South African thought leader, Humanitarian and Climate Activist, who is focused on food, energy, water security, and waste management, a social entrepreneur, social justice activist and human rights defender.

The event was hosted on Saturday evening, at Langham’s Lifestyle Estate; boasting GLAMOUR and women of absolute substance. The Glamour Awards honoured and celebrated the women that have been selected as game-changing in their field. Hosted, annually by Glamour magazine. The Women of the Year awards honour “extraordinary and inspirational” women from a variety of fields, including entertainment, business, sports, music, science, medicine, education and politics.

This dynamic woman has travelled the world and worked hands on in some of the world’s most forgotten communities. Her consistent commitment for sustainable development and climate action is evident in the endless work that her organisation and programmes have achieved over the past two decades. Catherine has spoken at global platforms and has served at the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva and at the UN Security Council in New York; she was the Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony at the World Youth Forum in Egypt where she addressed an audience 5000 strong, which was broadcast to more than 10Million people.

Constantinides, has been listed as one of Africa’s Top 100 Young People, has been given accolades by government, institutions and global entities. She is a Mail and Guardian Top “100 South Africans to have lunch with”, listed in SA’s second season of 21 Icons, an Archbishop Tutu African Oxford Fellow and Mandela Washington Fellow. Catherine was also named as one of the 100 Mandela’s of The Future, the acknowledgment of her climate and humanitarian work is endless.

She works actively as a human rights defender who has worked in conflict zones around the world from Afghanistan, to Syria and Lebanon, Kashmir, Cyprus and the Western Sahara, Africa’s Last Colony.

On receiving the award Constantinides humbly stated, “This is not for me… it is for the heroes that believe and support my work, they walk this journey alongside me. It is for the humanitarians on the frontlines who don’t have a platform from which to speak. It is for the doctors and aid workers on the ground that see the worst of humanity, but still continue their work. It is by the grace of God that I stand before you, grateful and thankful, for the recognition of my work. I pay tribute to my young son, who shares his mother with people in need and enables me to do the work I do.”

You can find Catherine on all social media platforms @ChangeAgentSA

A moment unforgettable for My Superhero Catherine Constantinides at Glamour South Africa’s Women of the Year Awards (Image credit @thesatarsisters_photography on Instagram and Catherine Constantinides (@changeagentsa on Instagram)

A well-deserved award for the hardest-working Superhero in the WORLD (Image credit: @thesatarsisters_photography on Instagram and Catherine Constantinides (@changeagentsa on Instagram)

(Note: All images in this post are captured by @thesatarsisters_photography and used with permission from Catherine Constantinides (@changeagentsa on Instagram)

My Superhero Catherine Constantinides Spoke at the UN on behalf of Western Sahara

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“In our lifetime the Saharawi People must be and deserve to be free.” – Catherine Constantinides

Recently My Superhero and Human Rights Defender Catherine Constantinides spoke at the UN on behalf of Western Sahara, a country that has been under illegal military occupation by Morocco for more than forty years.

Watch her full speech below

Superhero, there are no words for how proud I am of your kindness, courage and commitment. I love you endlessly

Generation Earth together with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Green Development Foundation Clean and Green Alex

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“The Earth is what we all have in common.”—Wendell Berry

Today, My Superhero Catherine Constantinides, founder of Generation Earth, together with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Green Development Foundation cleaned and greened the Alexandra Township in honour of Mandela Day on July 18^th

Superhero Catherine Constantinides and Generation Earth Celebrate World Environment Day Planting Trees

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Superhero Catherine Constantinides and the young people planting trees at Solwazi Primary School in Orange Farm *(Photo Credit* @thesatarsisters on Instagram)

“True humanity comes from protecting all that is around us!” – Catherine Constantinides

Recently in celebration of World Environment Day My Superhero Catherine Constantinides and her team at Generation Earth spent time at Solwazi Primary School in Orange Farm educating children about protecting the planet as well as planting a few trees. A huge thank you to Azraa & Sameerah Satar (@thesatarsisters on Instagram) for capturing photos from that day that you can see in this post.

My Superhero Catherine Constantinides, a ROCKSTAR WITH A SPADE *(Photo Credit* @thesatarsisters on Instagram)

Teamwork *(Photo Credit* @thesatarsisters on Instagram)

All in a days work for Generation Earth *(Photo Credit* @thesatarsisters on Instagram)

Superhero Catherine Constantinides and Her Team Feed 1050 People on World Hunger Day

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Superhero Catherine Constantinides on the ground at a feeding on World Hunger Day (Photo Credit @thesatarsisters on Instagram)

“Hunger of choice is a painful luxury; hunger of necessity is terrifying torture.”
― Mike Mullin, Ashfall

On World Hunger Day My Superhero Catherine Constantinides and her team fed approximately a total of 1050 people in Johannesburg. Thank you to all the donors and volunteers involved in these feedings and thank you to Azraa & Sameerah Satar (@thesatarsisters on Instagram) for capturing the photos you see in this post.

Feeding the future (Photo credit: @thesatarsisters on Instagram)

Hope in the form of food (Photo credit: @thesatarsisters on Instagram)

Superhero Catherine Constantinides and Team Deliver Food and Christmas Cheer

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Catherine and her team spreading Christmas cheer

“Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values.” — Thomas S. Monson

Yesterday and the day day before My Superhero Catherine Constantinides and her team fed and gave Christmas cheer to young and old in the Johannesburg area. Thank you to the volunteers and donors who helped make this two days happen and nd thank you to Azraa & Sameerah Satar (@thesatarsisters on Instagram) for capturing the photos you see in this post

Superhero Catherine Constantinides and Team Wrap Up the Year with the Last School Feeding of 2021

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Catherine Constantinides and team serving more than food (image courtesy of to Azraa & Sameerah Satar (@thesatarsisters on Instagram)

“Don’t look for big things. Just do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa

Yesterday My Superhero Catherine Constantinides and her team fed 1200 children in their last school. Thank you to all the supporters and volunteers involved in this feeding and other feedings throughout 2021 and thank you to Azraa & Sameerah Satar (@thesatarsisters on Instagram) for capturing the photos you see in this post from yesterday.