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
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.
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)
PRESS RELEASE: Miss Earth South Africa 2021 and Skin Renewal bring some Spring Sunshine to Kliptown, Soweto
Nompumelelo Maduna and the Skin Renewal team greening Kliptown
The newly announced Miss Earth South Africa was out in Kliptown this week exploring this forgotten area of Soweto. Kliptown is right across from the Walter Sisulu Square, where historically, on 26 June 1955, the Congress of the People, met to draw up the Freedom Charter. The Freedom Charter embodies the ethos of the country where human rights are upheld, where the people shall govern, they shall share in the wealth and in the land of the country along with its resources, they shall have equal rights before the law and dignity for all. It speaks of a non-racial society, liberty and individual rights. The Charter formed part of the development of our Constitution which was created in 1996.
Across from the square that embodies our human rights, equality and justice we are faced with the stark reality of a society, a forgotten community. Over the railway tracks and into this informal settlement, that is the oldest residential district of Soweto, the area is a mixture of “built” houses that are dilapidated and falling apart to make-shift shacks and metal structures that these people call home. The railway station has been abandoned and the once thriving community shops are long gone.
Amongst all this stands a beacon of hope and her name is Pricilla Nkqwili. She has created opportunities for a group of Gogos called The Kliptown Gogos, to stitch, croquet and quilt different items like aprons, picnic blankets, bags, shoes and other items to sell. Through the work Pricilla has done, and through the support of Skin Renewal, who have funded and supported this project. Ten sewing machines were bought and donated to this centre, along with a skill development programme which aims to upskill these women to learn how to use these machines to create items for selling.
Miss Earth South Africa, along with Skin Renewal Fourways, did a handover of groceries for each of these Gogos who create beautiful products which are made with love and a smile. Through COVID and the travel restrictions it has been very difficult for these women to sell anything to the tourists who used to visit the Walter Sisulu Square and they are waiting for government to fully open its boarders so that their livelihoods can go back to normal, within safe measures but they long for normalcy.
Nompumelelo also had the opportunity to visit and pledge her support to a local community vegetable garden. In the coming weeks, Miss Earth South Africa and Skin Renewal; will be adding to this beautiful space to increase their food yield by planting more vegetables, nut trees, companion plants and add to what Pricilla and her fellow farmer Tshepang have been working towards for the last year.
Skin Renewal also played a part in the starting of this vegetable garden as they funded the tools and start up seedlings for this green venture. Janine Walker and Anika Bosch have been instrumental in facilitation and making this part of their company’s CSI initiative. Skin Renewal and Miss Earth South Africa have a partnership that embodies greening and the care of both people and planet. It is corporates like this that not only talk the talk but walk the walk, in greening and creating self-sufficient communities.
Miss Earth SA is always looking for support and partnerships to continue working in communities like Kliptown, if you are able to support these initiatives; please contact them on 082 5050 664 or email admin@MissEarthSA.co.za
Miss Earth South Africa 2021 Nompumelelo Maduna (Photo credit: BlowfishProductions)
Our New Green Queen
As spring begins to blossom and the sun begins to shine, the Miss Earth South Africa prepares for the green journey to the international event in December. The organization has always advocated for the development of young women in South Africa as Environmental Warriors who promote the use of our Earth’s resources in a responsible manner. We all need to do our bit in the pursuit of preserving and conserving every day.
This announcement of a new ambassador to take the reins and lead this green revolution is none other than Soweto born Miss Nompumelelo Maduna. A marketing graduate who is currently doing her honours at the University of Johannesburg and is inspired and excited for the year ahead.
This young woman will represent South Africa at the international Miss Earth on the 12th December, in the Philippines. This is an opportunity for the Miss Earth South Africa, to showcase the climate issues and challenges from an African perspective and discuss the impacts they are having on our continent. Being Heritage month, it is important for us to highlight the positive and natural beauty of South Africa. We need to be aware of the problems but also celebrate the triumphs and the opportunity to celebrate our natural heritage
Joining these celebrations is Thaba Eco Hotel who is the venue and getaway partner for Nompumelelo and the organization, hosting the announcement in their picturesque and very appropriate nature setting. This is a sponsor that understands the drive and determination to work towards conserving Mother Earth. This is a perfect partnership where Thaba Eco and Miss Earth are not just walking the green walk but talking the green talk. Thaba Eco Hotel boast their own solar farm, recycling system from the restaurant, hotel rooms and magnificent Thaba Eco Trails, a responsible waste collection facility and function on an environmental ethos level that stands them above the rest. It is thus fitting for the Miss Earth South Africa to be announced at Thaba Eco Hotel.
Nompumelelo Maduna at the Thaba Eco Hotel’s Thaba Eco Park (Photo credit: BlowfishProductions)
Ella Bella Leite, Director of the programme said; “Our new Miss Earth demonstrate clear leadership qualities, creative thinking, strength of the mind and a bubbly personality and we are thrilled to be announcing our new ambassador. Over a period of two decades, we can confidently say that we have added value, purpose and a knowledge base to a large group of our South African women that has helped move our environmental agenda forward. We are proud of this footprint”
With lockdowns and the corona virus, social distancing and a withdrawal from communal society; we are faced with a different world, severe poverty and hunger in many communities; with environmental issues having fallen to the bottom of the pile once again. It is a critical time for climate change and we believe that our young ambassadors have to be at the forefront of this fight both from a community perspective and from an environmental perspective.
In the words of @ChangeAgentSA Catherine Constantinides, an international climate activist and human rights defender “Heroes don’t live in story books they live amongst us and we as the Miss Earth Leadership Programme have to ensure we empower and inspire these young women to be active citizens and be those heroes we need in our everchanging society. Their time is now!”
[END] For interviews contact Georgina on 082 505 0664 or email safusion@mweb.co.za Follow Miss Earth South Africa on Twitter and Instagram (@missearth_sa)
“You cannot protect the environment unless you empower people, you inform them, and you help them understand that these resources are their own, that they must protect them.” – Wangari Maathai
It’s 12 : 16 PM on day 2947 of my journey towards independence and I managed to pray read a Bible verse and do some work.
Last night at MontecasinoMiss Earth South Africa 2018 Nazia Wadee and 3 Miss Earth South Africa Ambassadors were crowned. Congratulations to Nazia and the Miss Earth South Africa Ambassadors I wish you only good things. Well done to the Miss Earth South Africa team and the Tsogo Sun teams who worked together to bring this spectacular event to life.
“The Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” – Mahatma Gandhi
It’s 2 : 19 PM on day 2822 of my journey towards independence and I managed to pray, read a Bible verse, spend time outside – spending time outside this World Environment Day reinforced my belief that it it our responsibility both as individuals and as a collective to take care of our beautiful Earth (it is a privilege to live on Earth we should never abuse it), have breakfast and promote my 50 New Feet Campaign benefiting MiracleFeet –raised $14 669 only $4 081 more to raise by June 17, 2018 to reach my new goal of helping 75 kids with Clubfoot by June 17, 2018.
Today is World Environment Day and the 2018 theme is “Beat Plastic Pollution” let’s reflect on our environmental impact both as individuals and as a collective and decide to tread lightly on the Earth today and every day it’s the only home we have in this life. A huge shoutout to Miss Earth South Africa, Ella Bella and Catherine Constantinides for whom EVERY DAY is #WorldEnvironmentDay I thank you and I LOVE YOU .
(Image credit: Catherine, Ella and Miss Earth South Africa)
True beauty comes from within – that’s what I’m realizing.
It’s 12 : 46 PM on day 2553 of my journey towards independence and I managed to pray, read Colossians 3:23, go to church, have breakfastand promote my 50 New Feet Campaign benefiting MiracleFeet – raised to $3 452 only $9 048 more to raise by June 17, 2018 to help 50 kids with clubfoot .
Last night at the The Palazzo MontecasinoMiss Earth South Africa 2017 Irini Moutzouris and 3 Miss Earth South Africa Ambassadors were crowned. Congratulations to Irini and the Miss Earth South Africa Ambassadors I wish you only good things.
