Miss Earth South Africa Departs for Asia

Green Queen Jenique Botha Leaves for the Manila

The Miss Earth South Africa is a leadership and empowerment programme that was established 22 years ago to help educate, inspire and galvanize change in communities that help to benefit both People and Planet.

Recently announced as the new Miss Earth South Africa Winner for 2025, Jenique Botha; who is completing her LLB Law at the North-West University; is set for Manila, Philippines compliments of Cathay Pacific Airlines and the Miss Earth South Africa Organization.

Cathay Pacific has been named one of the ‘Top 3 Best Airlines’ in the world at the World Airline Awards by SKYTRAX and it’s no wonder that they are the preferred carrier and airline partner for this year. Over the past two decades, Catherine Constantinides and Ella Bella Leite have been working in the environmental and sustainability arena, educating and inspiring young people to think differently and use the Earth’s resources in better ways so as to benefit both people and planet.

Jenique Botha has been involved with several different projects since she started her Miss Earth journey in May of this year working with abandoned animals, participating in elephant conservation and statistical data capturing in Limpopo with the Elephants Alive Organization, while planting trees as part of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment DFFE 1Million Tree Campaign.

The international travel will bring South Africa together with participants from 100 countries across the globe who will compete for the title of Miss Earth International, while sharing the environmental challenges faced by each country.

Jenique has been supported by the Miss Earth South Africa organization and they have together with Skin Renewal SA, Samsonite SA, Newsclip, New Romantics Couture, the Dutchess Signature Designs, ensured that all her green and glam needs are met. This is an opportunity to thank the team that have worked with our queen to prepare her for this next chapter; Vince & Reg Bespoke Hair Design, and The Nail Café in Bedfordview have all supported and prepared Jenique for the International trip, where she will represent South Africa with pride and a passion for our beautiful environment and wildlife.

South Africa wishes her well on this adventure and will follow and support her, on her @missearth_sa journey.

A new Green Team – 2025 Miss Earth South Africa Winners announced at Thaba Eco Hotel.

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Thabo Eco Hotel was a buzz as a beautiful day was enjoyed celebrating sustainability, leadership, beauty and empowerment. The Miss Earth South Africa organization, have worked on the ground in communities for the past 22 years. The new winners for 2025, who will continue the greening work for the next year, have been announced.

Miss Earth South Africa 2025 is Ekurhuleni’s Jenique Botha, flanked by her 1st Runner Up: Brilliant Dzavana from Tzaneen, Limpopo, 2nd Runner Up: Tshiamo Morare from Atteridgeville, Tshwane and Mpho Moleya from Midrand was announced as the 3rd Runner Up.

Jenique Botha, is a 22 year old, student at the North West University studying her LLB and is a BCom Law graduate. “I am honoured to carry this prestigious title and look forward to championing the organisations sustainability and climate programmes as we continue to charter a new chapter together.” Botha said.

Hosted by Thaba Eco Hotel, a venue which is synonymous with sustainable living, this was the perfect venue to match a perfect Spring day in the heart of the city. Together with the support from sponsors and partners; Skin Renewal SA, Cathay Pacific, Samsonite, Brand South Africa, Newsclip, and 321 Technical Systems, these environmental ambassadors are chosen to represent our country after having proved themselves worthy of such a prestigious title through their school projects, educational workshops, community outreach work and vegetable garden initiatives.

“This title does not come without responsibility and these young ladies are committed to serving people and planet. It is an opportunity for these young women to become active participants in protecting and preserving our planet. We need passionate people to take on this fight for our planet and for our home.” Says Ella Bella Leite: Educational Director.

With her sponsored flight from Cathay Pacific the winner will represent South Africa at the international Miss Earth in the Philippines this November, where she will showcase the work done here in South Africa, in order to combat climate change, food insecurity, ocean and river health, waste management and bring attention to recycling and waste in schools. The international Miss Earth is the third largest beauty pageant in the world, Miss Earth focuses on “Beauty with a Cause,” inspiring global environmental consciousness and climate advocacy.

Catherine Constantinides, Executive Director of the programme, shared her thoughts on the significance of the moment, saying; “This programme proves that sustainability and women’s empowerment are two sides of the same coin. When young women lead environmental change, communities shift, and narratives evolve. Empowered women are not only changemakers—they are earth-shakers.”

This year’s winner receives an awesome prize package, which includes a set of luggage from Samsonite, a longtime partner of the programme, a handbag and shoes from Europa Art, David Green Eyewear, Silver Lining Gumboots for all her clean ups and plantings, premium skincare treatments from Skin Renewal SA for the year of her reign and quality skincare products from Lamelle South Africa, professional styling and haircare products from Lanza professional healing haircare, Gifts from Bio Sculpture, Clothing from Nicci Boutique, Jeans from Lee Cooper SA, A fully paid International trip, Evening Dresses sponsored by New Romantics, and a national costume designed by The Duchess. Special thanks go to Kryolan Professional Make-Up and Lanza Professional Healing haircare who took care of the finalists.

Reuben Louw, CEO of Thaba Eco Hotel, expressed pride in hosting this year’s announcement, “Thaba Eco Hotel was the perfect choice for this celebration. From our solar farms to water conservation and advanced waste management systems, sustainability is not just a value—it’s a way of life here. I’ve always admired Catherine Constantinides and Ella Bella Leite for the incredible work they’ve done for the environment, for communities, and for empowering women over the past 22 years. We are proud partners of the Miss Earth South Africa Announcement for 2025.”

Together, with these partners and the powerful young women who take part in the programme each year, the Miss Earth South Africa continues to drive a message of hope, action, and sustainable change—one empowered woman at a time.

Follow @MissEarth_SA on socials and follow the journey to the international Miss Earth in the Philippines.

MissEarth2025 #SustainabilityInAction #MissEarthSouthAfrica

Reflections of a Humanitarian on World Humanitarian Day

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The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others

On this World Humanitarian Day I reflect on the journey I’ve been on since I turned 18, first with international organizations and for the past 8 years with Breath of Life, none of it has been easy but all of it has been worth it. Thank you so much to each and everyone of you that has been on this journey with me -I am me BECAUSE YOU BELIEVED IN ME!

Advice for aspiring humanitarians

1. Pick an issue your heart breaks for

2. If you ask you won’t receive – you have to tell a story with feeling

3. It will be hard, remember your why and don’t quit

Merchants of Light Bring Hope, Light and Impact

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In line with the theme for Mandela Day, “It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity,” Merchants of Light NPO, Virgin Active Bedfordview and Kit Kat Cash and Carry Benoni and Toyota Knights, went out to share their Mandela Day with a community in Primrose Germiston.

Merchants of Light, believe that small acts of kindness, a simple bowl of food, a warm blanket, or a gesture of love, can create bonds within a community and ultimately in our nation. They would like to thank the team from the Virgin Active Bedfordview and Kit Kat Cash and Carry who supported this initiative. One hundred and fifty grocery hampers were distributed; each parcel caters for a family of four. A loaf of bread and a hot meal was served to 250 people, who also received bags of oranges, clothing and blankets.

Outreach programmes are done on a continuous basis. The success of this programme rests on the support and partnering with like minded business entities, who believe that we can make a difference. During the week of Mandela Day, Merchants of Light managed to feed 2410 people and distribute 400 grocery hampers with Kit Kat Cash and Carry. This activation spread across Germiston, Primrose and Kensington, Southern Suburbs of Rosettenville and Turfontein, Kliptown and Pimville Soweto. Merchants of Light, have several active projects that run throughout the year, Weekly feeding schemes, school shoe and stationery drives, along with disaster management and relief. From packing of toiletries, mattresses, and blankets for victims of floods and fires, to cooking or dishing up bowls of hope and light. If you are able to support this initiative please contact @theMerchantsOfLight or message 082 5050 664

World Environment Day with Miss Earth South Africa Team

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Cathay Pacific joins Miss Earth SA on World Environment Day

The Miss Earth South Africa leads tree planting and vegetable garden project at Zodiac Primary School in Lenasia in Celebration of World Environment Day last week.

The special initiative focused on the planting of trees and the creation of a sustainable vegetable garden on the school grounds. More than just a greening activity, this project aimed to inspire and educate the young minds of the school—particularly the Grade 3 learners—on the importance of environmental stewardship, food security, and collective action.

The Grade 3 learners managed to transform a corner of the school that was baren and forgotten and turned it into a beacon of hope and sustainability through collaborative efforts led by the partners of the Miss Earth South Africa, such as Cathay Pacific, Skin Renewal SA, Samsonite, 9Five Fertilizers, Wild Route, 3Sixty Compost and the Toyota Knights.

“Our goal is to plant more than just trees and vegetables; we’re planting seeds of hope, knowledge, and responsibility,” said Ella Bella Leite, Director of Miss Earth South Africa Leadership and Empowerment Programme. “Together with our partners, we’re showing learners what it means to care for the earth and for each other. It’s about People and Planet. This garden is an example of how environmental action and social impact go together, reminding us of all that by investing in the youth and their home, we are able to nurture a better future for everyone.”

The newly established vegetable garden will be integrated into the school’s feeding scheme, directly contributing to nutritious meals for learners and reinforcing the school’s role as a safe, supportive space for children to grow, both academically and physically. This is a step forward in tackling food insecurity in the community – one garden at a time.

The day was filled with energy, education, and purpose, as learners got their hands dirty alongside volunteers and representatives from each partner organisation. With tools in hand and hearts full of excitement, the children were taught how to care for their new garden, gaining practical skills that will last a lifetime.

#Nisha34 Campaign Closed. Thank you all so much

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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. ” – Margaret Mead

Yesterday at midnight my #Nisha34 birthday campaign for Breath of Life officially closed thank you so much to everyone who helped – the gross amount is R57 386 while the net amount (after payment portal fees) is R54 455. The R54 455 will be paid out to Breath of Life by Backabuddy within a week and Breath of Life will use the money to buy diapers and other baby essentials as well as to cover the salaries of the carers who look after the babies and to cover the running expenses of the house (electricity, water, etc). Thank so much to everyone who gave of themselves and their resources to help make my birthday wish of making a difference at Breath of Life come true. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

Officially 34 – Birthday Magic at Breath of Life

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Birthdays are a chance to look back and forward at the same time.

Today (March 25^th ) I turned 34 and what a blessed day it was…. a special person came to visit, lots of cake was had and lots of love was shared. Thank you to everyone who made my day so special.

Firstly, and most importantly, THANK YOU to my children who make me more – more kind, more driven, more brave…. more in every way.

THANK YOU to my family at Breath of Life who lovingly look after our children and for helping me function in that house [I have never failed in that house and it’s because of each of you…THANK YOU!!]

THANK YOU to Cakes and Sprinkles East London for gifting me my stunning cake with the names of the children who were previously at Breath of Life (we intentionally DID NOT put names of our current children because that would be illegal)

And lastly thank you to all of you who donated to my crowdfunding campaign benefiting Breath of Life – the net total raised via BackABuddy is R54 455 . THANK YOU!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!

#Nisha34 Campaign Goal Surpassed. THANK YOU ALL!

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“Many hands make light work.” -Unknown

As of this afternoon we’ve surpassed my #Nisha34 campaign benefitting Breath of Life, , a place of safety for abandoned babies here in East London, South Africa, the original goal was R34 000 and with 17 days to go till my birthday so far we’ve raised R35 996. I’m so thankful to everyone who has helped out…truly thank you from the bottom of my heart. The page remains open and accepting donations until March 26^th and anyone still wishing to make a donation can do so at https://backabuddy.co.za/nisha-34

R1000 more was added since the recording of this video – the current total is R35 996

#Nisha34 – Fundraising for Breath of Life in Honour of my 34th Birthday

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“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

On February 26th 2025, I again started actively fundraising again for Breath of Life – a place of safety here in East London, South Africa, that homes abandoned and vulnerable babies – but this time I’m aiming to raise R34 000 in honour of my upcoming 34^th birthday (happening on March 25th) and 34^th year of life. If you wish to donate you can do so at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/nisha-34 and kindly share the campaign on social media using #Nisha34

7 Years (and counting) at Breath of Life

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“Time is the most valuable thing that a man can spend.” — Diogenes

On January 20^th 2018 I entered the Breath of Life house to drop of diapers and I sort of forgot to leave – 7 years and 139 babies later a lot has changed but my love for and commitment to the babies in that nursery is stronger than ever.

Thank you to Michelle Rielly who first welcomed me into the Breath of Life house, loved me and believed in me with me, thank you to Abigail Boshoff who continues to make me feel welcome in the Breath of Life house and thank you to our team of baby caregivers, staff and volunteers who love and look after our babies