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.
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@missearth_sa // Twitter: @missearth_sa // Facebook: Miss Earth South Africa // TikTok: @missearth_sa
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’ 21st 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.
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, 5th October. Please follow us on social media @missearth_sa.
Mia Le Roux (L) is crowned by 2023 Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert (R) on stage at the 2024 Miss South Africa final at SunBet Arena in Pretoria. (MARCO LONGARI / AFP)
Mia le Roux makes history as first hearing-impaired Miss South Africa
The 28-year-old model and marketing manager who was representing the Western Cape is the first Miss South Africa who is hard of hearing. According to her profile on the Miss South Africa website, Le Roux, who was born in Sasolburg in the Free State, was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one.
The part-time B Com Marketing student describes herself as resilient, dedicated, graceful and kind.
An Open Letter to Mia le Roux
Dear Mia,
Congratulations on becoming Miss South Africa 2024. Thank you for having the courage to put yourself out there and because you did you now have the chance to make the world inclusive for all of us who are different. Congratulations, I’m so proud of you…for the first time in my life I feel represented in the mainstream media
Miss Earth South Africa has partnered with Interwaste, Waste & Recycling Management Company and MetPac-SA the producer responsibility organisation, who are responsible for the post-consumer metal packaging in SA; for the 2024 Global Recycling Day, focussing on our daily habits of recycling. A matter that carries huge significance and can no longer be ignored. It is critical that waste and recycling are re-examined and that each individual looks at how they contribute to the waste stream and how they can be part of the solution in reducing pollution. Our planet Earth has become littered by waste products as a result of improper social behaviour. Waste has covered our land, filled our air and has had a significant impact on our oceans. Governments, corporates and industry must be held to account. “There is no such thing as ‘away’. When we throw anything away, it must go somewhere.” This statement needs to be understood in a recycling context, ‘away’ must be a specific place that our waste goes to.
“The Miss Earth South Africa organisation, through their #WasteStopsWithME campaign; hold the individual accountable. We believe in, promote and work towards a common goal of sustainability and conscious living,” says Ella Bella Leite, the Director of Miss Earth South Africa. “We are a programme that educates and empowers young women, while working with learners across the education system, so that they can take on the challenges that we face as a society. We are honoured to be able to work with like-minded corporates that support our community work and upliftment programmes, like Southern Sun, Skin Renewal, Lanza SA and Newsclip Media Monitoring. Our sponsors enable us to do the work we love.”
The partners for Global Recycling Day are key to the work done in schools and communities. Interwaste believe in an ethos of ‘Serving Land and Life’, realizing that it is the life we are creating, that needs protecting. This is a company that provides integrated waste and environmental solutions for individuals and corporates so as to help them, to be a part of the solution. They believe that the key to recycling is to know your waste, how to sort it and what process is required to recycle it. The Interwaste team strives towards the principle of zero waste to landfill.
Our sponsor, MetPac-SA, represents the metal packaging value chain in SA and reports directly to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, on matters relating to post-consumer metal packaging recovery and recycling. The main objective is to ensure that the metal packaging industry, demonstrates perfect synchronisation regarding waste management plans, circular economy, environmental sustainability, promoting a goal of zero waste in the environment.
Recycling provides many benefits to our environment as it creates a healthier planet for all our people and for future generations. Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, minerals and other products, it conserves natural resources and allows materials to be used over and over again.
Since 1993, there has been an increase in used beverage can collection, from 18% to 72%. Aluminium cans are one of the top most recyclable materials. They are 100% recyclable and can be processed multiple times. Recycling secondary aluminium uses less than 20% of the energy needed for extraction of new aluminium, making it a highly sought after packaging material.
In closing Leite stated, “Our programme for this year, is impactful and tangible. We believe that our learners at schools are ready for the challenge to increase their recycling habits. We have taken the problem to them, and explained how they can make a difference. Let’s get recycling and ensure that #WasteStopsWithME!!”
The Miss Earth South Africa Leadership programme, is in its 21st year. This is a programme that has been built, brick by brick, and tree by tree, over two decades. Most importantly it has grown and empowered one young woman at a time. Looking back, today we can say that it has mentored hundreds of young women.
“‘When you learn, teach. When you get, give.’ In the words of Maya Angelou, we ask our young women to go out and pay it forward. That is how we change the world. This is our objective for our 21st year,” says Ella Bella, National Director of Miss Earth South Africa.
It is not about winning the title and competing internationally. That is simply an experience, an amazing opportunity and a benefit of the programme. The programme is about so much more; the opportunities and learnings are vast. Each delegate has the opportunity to grow and develop. You will learn about the greatest challenges our people face in the climate space, and how it affects us as all as South Africans and global citizens. Being part of this leadership and empowerment programme means you will understand that you as an individual can make a difference. More-over you will become an active citizen in our nation caring for people and for planet. You will carry these elements with you throughout your life and it is hoped that you will in turn impact the lives of those around you and pay it forward to the community that you engage in.
You would be joining an impactful sisterhood, that understands and supports you. The programme is about touching the lives of every young woman that wants to make a difference. Apply to be part of the Miss Earth South Africa Leadership and Empowerment Programme for 2024.
Please WHATSAPP your name and email address to 082 5050 664.
Applications will close on the 15th April. South African ladies from 18 – 26 years old are eligible.
MISS EARTH SOUTH AFRICA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AT THEIR GALA EVENING, ANNOUNCING THE 2023 WINNERS
Earth Warriors Celebrate 20 Years of Impact
The Miss Earth South Africa leadership programme proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary at a gala dinner at the Southern Sun Sandton in Johannesburg on Saturday, where the announcement of their 2023 winners took place. 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.
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.
ABOUT THE WINNERS
3rd runner up, Miss Fire: Zama-Shandu Mbatha is a 26-year-old attorney from Johannesburg. She’s a part time commercial model, MC, host and beauty enthusiast.
2nd runner up, Miss Water: Duduzile Mbobo is an aspiring Earth Warrior and an industrial engineering student at Wits University. She enjoys practicing Iyengar Yoga in her spare time loves spending time with her family, friends and dogs.
1st runner up, Miss Air: Belindѐ Schreuder is from the capital city, Pretoria. She is a small business owner, make-up artist, and third year communications student at UNISA.
The winner, Miss Earth South Africa 2023: Zabelo Hlabisa hails from Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. She’s a social entrepreneur, event planner, modelling coach and a digital content creator. More so this young woman from KwaZulu-Natal is also a traditional healer who is passionate about the importance and power of indigenous knowledge.
The keynote speaker, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in South Africa Mr Nelson Muffuh said, “The Miss Earth South Africa programme serves as an exemplary model of female-led leadership in environmental advocacy. It exemplifies the transformative power of female leadership and active citizenship in addressing environmental changes. It’s therefore a pleasure for me to express the United Nations’ appreciation of Miss Earth for the incredible work they are doing in empowering young South African women as environmental ambassadors – torchbearers and change makers for sustainable development.”
The National Finalists and Winners have been spoilt with gifts and treatments from Skin Renewal, Europa Art, Lanza Healing Hair, chocolates from Ferrero Roche, sparkling wine from Michelle By KayN, Silverlining gumboots, skin care gifts from Panier Des Sens, Europa Art and treatments from Laser Boutique and Smile Connections for teeth whitening.
Glow couture spray tan, David Green Eyewear, Roar Fit gym, Eurolux lightening, Life Day Spar spa da, Gebco 3sixty and Wildroute Environmental, other partners and sponsors involved are Brand South Africa, Southern Sun, Servest, Proudly SA, Newsclip Media Monitoring, Interwaste, Plastics SA and SAPPI.
“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Miss Earth South Africa, we recognize the remarkable journey it has undertaken in promoting environmental awareness and action. This milestone highlights the positive impact that the programme has had, inspiring countless individuals to become advocates for the planet,” says Miss Earth South Africa Executive Director, Catherine Constantinides, “We’re so excited to be celebrating this incredible milestone. Only a fraction of the work we do in the various communities makes it to social and mainstream media, but what matters the most is the 20 years of actual, measurable impact that the programme has helped to facilitate over the years. It is all about the impact, action and advocacy.”
Since inception, the programme has planted 55 000 trees across South Africa and has impacted countless communities across all provinces and communities throughout the rainbow nation. 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.
As part of the 20-year celebrations, the Miss Earth SA winners will be taking part in several clean-up campaigns across the country this coming weekend as part of International Clean Up Day and they will continue their environmental advocacy in their communities as they drive the #WasteStopsWithME programme 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. 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
ABOUT MISS EARTH SOUTH AFRICA
The Miss Earth South Africa is a leadership and empowerment programme for young women. The objective is to provide these young women with the skills and knowledge to tackle different social and environmental issues within their communities as ambassadors and pillars of strength as they step into the world. Through this programme they can make a direct and meaningful impact for people and planet.
We extensively engage, educate & champion issues pertaining to the environment, the challenges and solutions that can help us better respect our Mother Earth. The Miss Earth South Africa leadership programme is about bringing sustainability to the fore, allowing our partners, stakeholders and communities to rethink their own impact, carbon footprint, value chain and operations.
Zoning in on issues of sustainable fashion, eco-tourism, food security, waste management and the mitigation of the effects of climate change are all very much a part of the powerful umbrella of work undertaken by the organisation.
In partnership with Southern Sun, Skin Renewal, Europa Art and Brand South Africa the Miss Earth SA hosted a gala dinner in celebration of their 20-year anniversary with a keynote address by Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in South Africa Mr Nelson Muffuh. With the goal of planting 55 000 trees during Arbour Month, these young women are movers and shakers of the communities.
Miss Earth SA 2021 Nompumelelo Maduna (Image credit: Noble Media Solutions)
“When a group of people come together and give an opportunity of food and hope – It’s a success! It’s not just for today… but a success for tomorrow.” – Unknown
Today the Miss Earth SA Leadership Programme and their partners handed over a newly- rejuvenated veggie garden to Gogos (grandmothers) living in Kliptown, Soweto and added “We don’t want to just add to your self-subsistence, we want to add to your sustainability. We don’t want to just add to your today, we want to add to your tomorrow. This garden is for you to grow, nurture and make a success of. On behalf of the Miss Earth South Africa Leadership Programme and Together with Skin Renewal, Lifestyle Home Garden, Brand South Africa, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Plastics SA, AST Recycling and Interwaste Environmental Solutions we hand over to you in the form of a vegetable garden, in the form of a great opportunity; the possibility for you and your community of Gogos to prosper and enjoy.”
Rejuvenated Garden (Image credit: Noble Media Solutions)Superhero Catherine Constantinides greening Kliptown (Image credit: Noble Media Solutions) Skin Renewal doing some planting (Image credit: Noble Media Solutions)
Me watching the Nescafe Ricoffy’s virtual event hosted by Catherine Constantinides #NescaféRicoffy #NESCAFÉRICOFFYRESPONSIBLYSOURCED
South Africa’s most loved instant chicory and coffee extract, NESCAFÉ RICOFFY, has announced that it now uses coffee beans that are 100% responsibly sourced.
Nestlé is committed to implementing responsible sourcing practices and continuously improving its coffee supply chain. This commitment is brought to life by understanding that the heart of good food is the quality of the ingredients, the people who produce them and the soils and ecosystems in which they are grown. Protecting growers and their environments ensures the long-term success of the business.
“NESCAFÉ RICOFFY is South Africa’s most memorable instant chicory and coffee extract brand. We are extremely proud that Nestlé knows where our ingredients come from and that they are produced in a way that minimizes negative impact and makes a positive contribution to individuals, communities and the planet” Says Nicole Roos, Business Executive Officer, Coffee & Beverages at Nestlé, South Africa.
Launched in 2010, the NESCAFÉ Plan is a tangible effort of how Nestlé creates shared value in the coffee sector for farmers, communities and our planet. It shows a commitment to continuously support responsible and increasingly sustainable value chains. NESCAFÉ RICOFFY has managed to reach the 100% Responsibly Sourced Coffee Beans in Quarter 3 of 2020, which is an incredible achievement for the future of responsible sourcing of coffee beans.
On 9 March the launch was attended by various industry sustainability experts, including Jackie May, Editor of Twyg Magazine, Gisèle Wertheim Aymés, Editor of Longevity Magazine and Longevity Live, Dion Chang, Business Strategist and Founder of Flux Trends, Xoli Fuyani, environmental education co-ordinator with Earthchild, as well as Earth Warrior and philanthropist Catherine Constantinides. The focus was a global conversation around sustainability, repurposing and the importance of creating a generation that is environmentally conscious as well as insights from each panelist from their respective fields of expertise.
The announcement forms part of Nestlé South Africa’s recently launched RE (RETHINK, REDUCE AND REPURPOSE) sustainability initiative. RE is aimed at reinforcing all its sustainability initiatives, strategies and resources to help mitigate sustainability challenges and strengthen its contribution to a waste-free future.
“Our NESCAFE RICOFFY 100% responsibly sourced project is a practical testament of our sustainability commitments in South Africa. It encapsulates all that the RE initiative represents – rethinking our entire value chain, reducing our impact on the environment and providing tangible proof points of our sustainability efforts through our loved brands” says, Saint-Francis Tohlang, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Director at Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region (ESAR).
There’s a story in every sip to come with NESCAFÉ RICOFFY and even more so with a responsibly sourced future ahead. Your favorite instant chicory and coffee extract is here to stay, with their use of respectfully grown coffee beans, with 100% responsibly sourced, sharing pride & respect from farm to cup. For more information on Grown Respectfully visit https://www.nescafe.com/za/grown-respectfully or follow us @NESCAFÉ RICOFFY
