Port Elizabeth’s Mikaela Oosthuizen, 14, was crowned the fairest teen in the land, as she walked away with the Miss SA Teen title at Sun City over the weekend.
With the news still sinking in, she said: “I am very excited about the opportunities that my reigning year will bring.
“It has been an amazing experience to have spent the last few days with some of the most beautiful and intelligent young ladies in our land,” said Oosthuizen.
“I think that the judges could have put all of our names in a hat, and drawn out a winner - anyone of us would have been deserving of the title.”
Oosthuizen, who has her sights set on a career in the television industry, plans in the meantime to present motivational workshops to teenagers regarding sex and drug abuse, plus the importance of making informed choices in both of these areas.
Relinquishing her title, Miss SA Teen 2009 Chante Jantjies said that she thought the judges made a very good choice. “All the girls were really beautiful and it was a tough decision for them to make.”
This is not however the end of Jantjies reigning responsibilities: “I am off to represent South Africa in the Miss Teen Universe - so please hold thumbs for me.”
Hot on Mikaela’s heels and nearly walking away with the crown herself, was 16-year-old first princess Minky Mothabela from Johannesburg, who will represent Miss SA Teen should Mikaela not be able to attend an event.
Also from Jozi and taking the title of 2nd princess, Meeshka Joseph, 18, who already models part time, has her sights set on a career as a chartered accountant, plus entering for the Miss SA title in the near future.
Giving a little advice for future Miss SA Teen entrants, Oosthuizen who is the youngest title holder so far in the history of the pageant said: “Just be natural – don’t be discouraged by the age or height requirements – this competition is not just about beauty but also about brains.”
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