Beauty pageant contestants

"To my son – don’t let anyone take you for granted. Always hold your head up high. Never stop believing in yourself."

"Just go forth and aim for the skies. I may not carry you in my arms anymore, but I will always carry you in my heart."

"You have given me so many reasons to be proud of the man you have become, but the proudest moment for me is telling others [that] you are my son. Love always, Mom."

"To the Tribe [family] that came to see him off, they say it takes a village to raise a child. Thank you very much. AmaNtungwa [clan name] ayabonga [say thank you]."

"When I was a small child, I looked up to my mother who taught at a school in Soweto, where we lived. I have always wanted to be the one standing in front of the class with a black board and some chalk in my hand and this is why my first degree was in education."

"The universe had other ideas for me though, and I now believe that my classroom is wherever I am called to speak, write, and add my voice. There are many ways to Impart knowledge, and my passion is to keep learning, so I can teach."

"To be a woman is to be soft and strong all at once, and there is beauty in this duality. We are strong enough to birth children, and nurturing enough to raise them, but we are also fierce enough to be leaders, businesswomen and captains of industry."

"I think mentorship is a key component of sharing knowledge and helping young women to reach their goals. There is really no reason why we should not be sharing our lessons to empower the younger generations"

"I think it starts with telling them they don’t have to change the way they look to be acceptable or beautiful. Young girls don’t have to have straight hair in order to look “professional”."

"Regarding representation, I think we have to use our power as consumers. Do your research and support the brands which are serious about representing you and people who look like you."

"GBV is a huge issue on our continent and in a world where patriarchal power structures still dominate. Male leadership is still seen as the norm, and men hold the majority of power. Patriarchy is a social and political system that treats men as superior to women – where women cannot protect their bodies, meet their basic needs, participate fully in society."

"Until this power dynamic is changed, women will continue to fall victim to violence. Our job as leaders is to push back against the oppression of women in all spheres, and to speak loudly about abuse. GBV will not go away if it continues to be cloaked in secrecy and shame."

"I think patriarchy is an issue all over the world, not just in Africa. Men have been running the world for so long that modern women have no choice but to take back their power."

"This doesn’t mean that women have to be disrespectful to their male counterparts, in fact, I have found that most men want to be helpful and they themselves are trying to manoeuvre and find their place in a changing world."

"We still respect the customs instilled by our parents. We still respect tradition, but we have to know when to say no, and push back"

"The modern woman is whoever and whatever she wants to be, because she is fiercely independent but also open with her vulnerabilities."

"She’s strong and stands tall but also gentle, loving and compassionate."

"There is no shame in being direct, being firm and fighting for what you believe, and it actually doesn’t matter if other people feel uncomfortable with your talents and your prowess."

"I was a very shy child, but whenever I had to participate in a pageant, I was forced outside of my comfort zone, which I feel is one of the biggest life lessons I learned from my mother. We only grow when we are outside of what is familiar and easy."

"This is a season of transformation for us and we are taking the work that needs to be done very seriously. I love the passion for the club, but people need to be kind in the way they engage because supporters can be quite nasty at times especially on social media where people can say whatever they want and remain nameless."

"We want ambitious players at the club. We provide the platform for them to do that and it’s up to them perform on that platform."

"We are looking for sustainable growth and success. Greatness is about overcoming challenges"

"I love being African and l love African women, celebrating all that we are and encompass, so I’m inviting women across the entire continent, married, divorced or widowed, to fetch their lives and enter Mrs Universe Africa."

"Let's change the narrative, change mindsets and challenge the stereotypical ideas of what beauty is ... May we change lives together and create a new narrative for women across our beautiful continent."

"You have to wake every morning believing God that yesterday was an experience and was for a purpose, for a lesson and something to be learnt. That is why it is new every morning. However, I am not saying that when something happens you say it doesn’t matter. What I am saying is that when something happens, instead of wallowing in the mistake, you look at the good side of it. You take the good side of the coin and move on from there.I can’t change the past! I have things that I have done in the past that I said to myself, ‘Oh dear! That was a bad decision or that wasn’t too smart.’ But then, I can’t change it. Some things are too late to change. So at such times, I tell myself, look for another opportunity, move on!"

"They often asked but I told them that I had not come this far to serve and give up here. I love this country. I monitor youths every day. You walk into restaurants or somewhere else, you would see the young lady at the counter not smiling. When you ask her why she’s not smiling. It was then you would observe that the youths of today hardly smile. Even when you pay them a compliment, they are aggressive in their replies because we rarely talk to them.That is everyday mentoring.Thank God nobody has money anymore, nobody can sell or buy votes as it used to happen in the past, I also want to encourage more women to come out"

"I believe when you educate a girl, you are educating the entire community."

"Beauty entails much more than physical appearance. Having beauty is having a purpose. In every beauty pageant, the judges and the public are seeking what purpose or difference you are making in your society."

"It all starts with you believing in yourself. I also add that they should stay in school to complete their studies and after that they can pursue their dreams."

"The youth will love agriculture because it goes hand in hand with beauty."

"We kept our wedding low key because we wanted to enjoy our day peacefully."

"I am an example of a woman who was destined to be just a beauty, queen, but through Sam Nujoma’s guidance I was able to contribute to the upliftment of underserved communities and education for children throughout Namibia since 1992."

"When we brought the Miss Universe pageant to Namibia in 1995 as the host country, we were able to raise tourism interest and investment in Namibia, which hugely boosted the economy."

"We were able to do through a very generous donation by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt when they had baby Shiloh in Namibia in 2005. Nujoma also opened the Michelle McLean Primary School at Otjimuise in Windhoek in 2000, with the help of the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, supporting over 1 300 pupils every year."

"This project encouraged hundreds of students to attend schools in these remote areas."

"I believe I deserve to win the title as I embody resilience, strength and the ubuntu spirit within South Africa. As a deaf woman with a cochlear implant, I represent a community that often goes unheard."

"I aspire to eventually help provide cochlear implants to those who cannot afford it and give them the same gift my community has given me."

"I am here to prove that, despite being differently-abled, it has not affected me. My journey is a testament to the power of dreams and determination we all possess."

"We do not need sympathy, being deaf does not affect our intelligence and capability. We just need a little bit of help in terms of accessibility and inclusivity such as subtitles on TV shows, advertisements and sign interpreters at live shows."

"Asking myself, "How can I make a difference?" led me to Can Too Foundation! Can Too offers professionally coached training regimes for participants at any fitness level, encouraging them to run, swim, and cycle their way towards a healthier lifestyle and, more importantly, a cancer-free world."

"I'm joining the fight against cancer with the Can Too Foundation, a cause very close to my heart. This is not only for the countless individuals worldwide who are affected by cancer, but also for those I've personally known who've battled this dreadful disease. Thankfully, my family has been blessedly untouched by cancer, but witnessing the impact it has had on others around me has fueled my passion to contribute in any way I can."

"Back when I was living in my beautiful homeland, Mauritius, I founded an organisation called S'mily in 2014. S'mily was our local version of 'Make a Wish' in Australia, with a crucial mission - to enhance the day-to-day lives of children suffering from cancer. This experience has greatly impacted my perspective and has inspired me to continue this noble cause here in Australia."

"Gratitude is the general feeling. It iterates the message that we should truly assert ourselves in spaces that we desire. We should be unafraid to go boldly in the direction of our dreams."

"I would definitely say to hold on because tough times do pass and when you’re in the moment it’s difficult to see yourself through it. But I think what’s most important is sticking by your convictions and what you believe in even if that means standing alone. In essence, bad times don’t last and things do get better."

"I love my critics. I think I’m being given an opportunity to grow. And just because you disagree with my decision doesn’t mean you shouldn’t respect me. Respect is the biggest thing we owe to each other"

"I WANTED TO DIE BY SUICIDE"

"Many people see me, and they’re like, oh, at first, I was so confused. I hated you for doing it [going to Israel]. But I’m so glad you went. And I’m like, do you comprehend the level of trauma I went through for you to come then and say this"

"On Twitter, I was being bashed and, you know, going through it, and in person, you’re now going to be nice to me"

"At a point, I actually wanted to die by suicide because I absolutely got to a point where I couldn’t handle it"

"There are so many people that have died by suicide when people actually know what they put them through. So I don’t think they [critcis] even care"

"And a part of me was like, I will jump and die, fall to my death. All because of people that don’t know me"

"The shortage of employment opportunities is so disheartening, particularly in a nation so full of talented and educated people. Our country lacks the infrastructure to nurture talent and provide platforms conducive to the creation of employment, so large numbers of talented South Africans with the best of ideas are emigrating to countries where their are plenty of opportunities. That is something I would like to change"

"On the positive side, our country is extremely rich in diversity, heritage, culture and history, and abundant in picturesque scenery. But my favourite thing about South Africa is our people and their steadfast spirit in the face of adversity. We also never fail to make humour the centre of any situation, good or bad and I love that!"

"I am deeply thankful to all the amazing people who have supported and uplifted me"

"I used to suffer from losing things that I don’t have,” she said. “It stems from fear of perfection or the pressures of the world, and trying to seek from happiness that you don’t have. An attitude of gratitude should be something that we instil every day"

"[My campaign] focuses on youth employment from the perspective of no longer waiting for opportunities from the state, but instead empowering youth by providing them with entrepreneurial skills to take charge economically"

"I am so proud to have won this, not just for me, but for my country."

"If she had the privilege of meeting Barack Obama, she would gift him a family trip to one of Namibia’s tranquil conservation reserves."

"An experience is much better than any gift."

"Sports was a natural thing for my brother and I, we loved it so much and our parents were always supportive."

"Firstly, sports taught me that it’s never a failure if you don’t succeed. It taught me to build character, perseverance and how to socialise."

"I see everyone as an equal. No one is lower than me, no matter what they have or don’t have."

"I love to cook and I make mean wraps. I don’t like cooking for myself though."

"I want to be remembered as someone who tried to bring change amongst the youth in Namibia."

"I am tired, yet I love every second of the waking hour. I am not my body, yet I need to treat it like my temple. This Body is the only one I’ll get in this lifetime, and I can’t trade it in for a newer model"

"It is difficult to remain disciplined, when you’re working, and you’re mommying, and you’re wifeying... sometimes you forget your own needs. Sometimes you have too much grace for yourself, other times you have too little"

"This is the heaviest that I’ve ever been in my entire life it scares me. I work hard. I burn calories but I don’t eat in a deficit just yet. I need to do what’s best for my baby, and that’s staying nourished and mentally healthy"

"Sometimes you need to trust your gut and not sweat the small stuff. Weight can always be dropped, getting your mind right takes effort and reversing eating disorders, well that’s a conversation for another day"

"I’ve just seen too much, to not be happy with where I’m at. My voice, my current struggles, and my journey will speak to someone out there who needs to be reminded that, mommy, sister, daughter, wife, friend — you are doing your best, and sometimes your best needs to be good enough for now, until your energy is revived — and until we switch some gears. But until then, Let’s do what you can, and the rest will follow! We are in this together. We are more connected than you realise. Let’s draw strength from each others’ struggles, and hope from each others’ triumphs"

"I'm excited to be back on the show, there has been a two-year gap which includes two seasons. I'm super excited to be playing with these people because it's a super strong cast and the diversity in this cast is amazing, so I am excited to see it play out, the story behind the story and the alliances, their view of the game and what narrative they are going with"

"I've been seen as a physical player, so I'm going to focus on the other spheres like the social aspects of the game and strategic play and timing. I'm definitely going to work more on my relationship skills this season"

"Summer bodies are chiselled in winter. It all starts with recognising bad habits. Binge eating, watching series, and being emotionally exhausted start with choosing not to rest instead of watching TV. Choosing yourself is as easy as scheduling physical activity as a priority in your daily routine. You have to make time for your health – that includes exercising and meal prepping in order to avoid eating takeaways"

"Marriage is an endurance race. We are so used to instant gratification that we have forgotten how important it is to work for something you want. Marriage is the same. You won’t always like your spouse, you won’t always win arguments and you won’t feel like compromising. What matters is that you serve the marriage instead of yourself. Doing introspection helps a lot because you become each other’s mirror. Work on yourself first before trying to blame someone else"

"as life changes, one does in fact get older but birthdays simply “etch a notch on your record of experiences."

"no one can pull wool over his eyes, he should do well, for he is an old soul trapped in that young body."

"It all comes back to discipline and moderation. I was probably always an intermittent faster, before it was trending because I am not one for breakfast. Some hot water with lemon would do just fine. I don’t have a penchant for meat, I eat a lot of fish and vegetables, and I am not an alcoholic drinker. I must admit we Fitzes have a sweet tooth, so ice cream is my indulgence as you would have noticed."

"You must assist the ageing joints, maintain flexibility, centre your mental health, clear your lymph nodes and exercise regulated breathing rhythms."

"I am not a night owl and I have one big meal a day followed by soup and probably some organic herbal teas."

"You must be diligent and follow a daily regime with dedicated discipline."

"I am not in love with material things. The greatest joy, I experienced was as a goodwill ambassador with the Sasamani Foundation, empowering gender equity, working in places as far afield as Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and, right here in the Caribbean, Haiti and Jamaica."

"like everything else in life, what you’re bringing informs what you take from a beauty pageant. I was raised as a hard worker, fair and kind, and that’s what I think I brought to the pageant world."

"I am a woman of faith, shamelessly, and you can’t buy that quality, you can’t train it into someone."

"the women and men who stand the test of time and who may not even be in the spotlight — they have a combination of the physical and the indefinable. That ethereal quality, I call it."

"You find the religion that works for you, if you need one to facilitate your relationship with a higher being."

"It’s not about having it all, but having equilibrium. Being comfortable with wherever you are. It’s being content in your professional life, even if things aren’t perfect. Even if you’re having a killer day, you know that, overall, you are on the path you want to be on, and it’s not overtaking your personal life."

"And you also have to learn how to pull back and find that time for you, every single day."

"Love is about being selfless. It’s about losing control in the healthiest way imaginable."

"Another important element of love is finding yourself, and that’s how you know what love is. When you become much more comfortable with you. A relationship you have with your child, with a significant other, or with a friend that helps you to grow into your own skin — that’s a huge part of love."

"The George Floyd incident was a perfect storm — for the world to see and understand that these changes have to be made."

"Without George Floyd we wouldn’t have seen all the rest that’s happened over the past few months, or understood what’s at the root of parts of America."

"It’s an issue that’s touched the whole world, with protests everywhere, wherever there are people of colour."

"I had just moved back to Trinidad, so I did it for promotion. I hadn’t been there for some years and wanted people to know who I was. I went into a local pageant without any expectations."

"Only when we got there did I realize that I was really in a competition."

"I’d never even been on a stage before. Seeing the competitive spirit around beauty was very interesting."

"Except we never saw a black contestant on the cover."

"We weren’t seeing ourselves in the papers at all. We figured we were there just to make up the numbers"

"I had never before in my life felt second place or second class, so that was all new to me."

"A person of colour was not a typical beauty."

"It was a hostile industry, but over the years I think I earned their respect."

"may help young people coming up have a sense of our history."

"There are so many pre-conceived notions of what '60' is first and foremost 'old'."

"Retirement has traditionally been tied to the 60s and that image hangs over it, but it just doesn't fit."

"looks."One of the things I'm thankful for is that I have all my original body parts."

"No fillers, no replacements, no substitutes."This seems miraculous in a world she recognises as revolving around instant beauty at all costs."

"costs."Everything is Hollywood. Everything is instant. Everyone strives for perfection the perfect look."

"In the quest for perfection the line keeps moving."

"Responsibility dictates behaviour and winning never dictated how I lived my life."

"My story started in Auckland, New Zealand, where I discovered my love for dance at a studio in Takanini called Stewart Dance Studios. As a kid, I was very involved in competition dance, winning many national titles before diving into the professional dance world that Auckland City has to offer. In New Zealand, I danced as a dancer on the SkyCity Cheer Team and was on Dancing with the Stars New Zealand before making the move in 2018 to Los Angeles to attend AMDA College of the Performing Arts. After graduating AMDA in 2020 with my Associates in Dance Theatre, I made the move to Dallas, TX, where I danced for Zion Dance Project, Urban Performing company, and The RevCrew. I also started teaching and choreographing at Studio B Dallas and Frisco Dance Studio. At the end of last year, I made the move to New York City to train and audition more in the dance world; however, I now basically live between New York City and Dallas as I come back once a month to choreograph and teach for Studio B Dallas as well as to perform at events throughout the year."

"My road hasn’t been that smooth, but it also hasn’t been too difficult either. I would say my biggest struggle would be juggling my teaching/choreographing with my life as a dancer. I love to dance, and I love to teach, and although these seem to go hand in hand, there can also be many conflicts so I am constantly trying to juggle what one I want to prioritize more. At this stage in my life, I would like to first dance more than choreograph and teach as my body is not young forever. However, teaching and choreographing can tend to pay more than dance gigs, so that can be a big factor to my decisions as well."

"I am a dancer, choreographer, and teacher trained in Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Ballet. I would say as a dancer and performer, the main styles that I specialize in would be Hip Hop and Jazz. As a teacher and choreographer, I mainly teach Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip Hop but mainly choreograph Jazz and Contemporary. As a dancer, what sets me apart is that I am very committed to any role given me, and I love to rise above challenges that may seem impossible. As a teacher, I believe that repetition is important; I will quite often give my students various exercises that we will work on each week so that they can master certain skills and really get a good foundation of each style. As a choreographer, I feel like I can cater my choreography to any level of dancer to best showcase their talents and abilities whilst also giving them a challenge to help them grow as a dancer. When I am choreographing group dances, I also love to play around with formation changes, and any of my students could tell you that they are never in one formation for too long. As a Choreographer, I am proud of all the pieces that I have choreographed for Studio B Dallas, and as a dancer, one highlight would be my recent work dancing with Metropolis Productions for the Mary Kay Seminar that was just in Dallas, celebrating 60 years."

"I’m always interested in working with new people! You can email me – [email protected], follow me on Instagram @emma.morris, and honestly, a simple like, save, or share of my profile or dance videos goes a long way!"

"I used to be called ‘Khiwa’ which means white or ‘nkawu.’ Nkawu is a monkey in my native language. Although my brother would stand up and defend me, he still left school before me, and so I had to learn to stand up for myself and be vocal about what was going on in my life"

"Pageantry has definitely given me a platform to be a voice for those that cannot speak for themselves, a platform where I can empower other women to stand their ground and speak out against issues to do with abuse and discrimination."

"We have old cultural myths that have existed for a very long time. It is believed that people with albinism do not die and there is the misconception that our body parts can be used to heal chronic diseases."

"We have stereotypes that say we are not as equally capable as other people. I have made it my job as an activist to spread the message that we should refuse to be defined by unjustified harmful cultural conspiracy beliefs."

"I am saying as persons with albinism we should not allow someone else to dictate to us. Like all humans we have the freedom of expression, let’s utilise it. I am advocating for change in society and the world at large."

"We have to understand that as citizens of this global village we are all different. There is something unique about each one of us. For persons with albinism, it is their skin. There is a need for society to embrace this uniqueness."

"If traditional leaders, churches, local authorities, policymakers and ordinary citizens start spreading the message of tolerance and inclusiveness, the world will be a better place."

"I discovered in primary school that I was different when other children started asking me questions like, ‘Are your parents white?’ ‘Why is your brother black?’"

"My teachers would make me sit in front because I was short-sighted and then I started questioning all these occurrences. It was painful being the only child in a school of 1 500 pupils who looked different, and people made fun of me."

"At a very young age, children of my age were asking me questions like, ‘What happens to you when you die?’ ‘When will you turn black again?’ ‘What happens if I beat you?’ ‘Why is it you and your sister are different from the rest of your family, are you from another planet?’"

"I had sisters and mothers who told their children and siblings not to play with me. I had relatives who pretended to like me. I was overwhelmed with confusion, I never really knew who honestly cared about me."

"I have told myself that I am equally capable as the next model. Whichever designer, photographer or promoter who will exercise prejudice will miss out on an opportunity to work with this wonderful, hardworking individual. I have also made it a point to bring out my very best when I get a modelling gig."

"We live in a world that questions our capability as women and, in turn, set to marginalise, abuse as well as discriminate against us, but that very same world is diversifying. We have feminists and humanitarian activists who are advocating for change as well as inclusion. It is awful that we spend most of our time fighting but it is also great because we are fighting for something bigger than us."

"A good course that will not benefit only us, but generations to come as well."

"I represented Ghana well and did my very best but I didn't come out victorious. We can only give thanks to God for whatever happens"

"Competing in the Miss Universe 2013 Pageant in Moscow, Russia was a great opportunity and i did my best to represent Ghana"

"I am just going to do my best. I am going to represent Ghana to the fullest. I need the support of every single Ghanaian; they should support me in every possible way they can"

"Education is not limited to books and instructional teaching and learning. My family was and remains the teacher of values, culture, diversity, emotional intelligence, financial literacy and hygiene. So how I understand, value, care for and celebrate my culture is a reflection of the educational role my family plays when it comes to teaching me about my cultural roots"

"Where there is more than one person, there is difference. Just like how we differ as individuals, so does culture and how we express it"

"Hospitality in our family is a trait many possess. Both maternally and parentally. We love to host, support and nurture. Philanthropy is just an extension of that. Serving beyond the family unit"

"It took resilience and the will to pursue my intended purpose to enter and win and still recognise myself in the mirror after my reign"

"I have always loved nature and the outdoors. There is something grounding about life beyond tall towers and buildings. In the rural area, I can actually smell the flowers and feel my inner powers. Although I was raised in the city, the congestion of traffic lights and take out is not my thing"

"Language carries culture and culture carries values. An Oshikwanyama speaking child can only express themselves like a Kwanyama if they can speak the language. When they get hurt, they say…memeeii. An English speaking child will say, ouch"

"It takes days to years to put something together. It requires constantly and proactively having to enquire from those more knowledgeable, reading, studying and doing extensive field and desktop research"

"It is small. We are not writing enough and those who do write are not getting the necessary support. I would like to see more books written in indigenous languages. We have local linguists lecturing and researching at local universities and schools but majority are not writing books. In my head, that does not make sense. However, we are also not reading enough. The culture of reading still remains an issue. We have learners in high school who cannot read or follow basic grammar rules of writing. If they cannot read now, who will write later"

"I feel the need to give back as I had so many sponsors and prizes after becoming Miss Namibia and would like someone else to get pampered like I often do. I want them to have the same opportunities I had and most importantly, I want to share the importance of grooming as a confidence boost"

"The beauty pageant industry is an industry like any other, with the capacity to contribute to the nation building of any country. Namibia should be no different"

"The pageant is very African-centred. The reality out there is that as Africans, we define our beauty according to what the rest of the world tells us is beautiful and with this pageant, we want to rectify that"

"We want the girls to be as natural as possible"

"I am excited. I have already started preparing for the pageant, besides giving up some of my favourite foods, I am exercising and reading more, trying to get both my body and mind ready for the pageant"

"My main aim is to try and portray what Namibia is to me, its diversity and heritage as well as the kindness of its people and its hospitality"

"For the traditional costume we are thinking of going with either Himba or Kavango traditional wear"

"Its a pleasure and honour to be associated with this bank, the money in the bank account will help me prepare for the Miss World pageant which will be held in Las Vegas, USA in December this year"

"I am incredibly nervous and excited at the same time. I have never travelled in my life. I have never been outside the country and now I am flying to Las Vegas"

"As a politician, I could be an asset to the cause of women and their rights, something that is very close to my heart"

"Most people enter because they want to become popular and gain a little fortune, but more often than not it is the girls who are truly humble and kind with good intentions at heart that make it. For some reason, the real you eventually shows on the surface"

"If you do decide to enter, start preparing for the pageant even before you have been chosen as a finalist. Work out, eat right and set your mind for victory by imagining yourself wearing the crown"

"Ensure that your pictures are classy and elegant with a touch of sexy and mystery. Also invest in a make-up artist on the day you decide to have your photo shoot, your face must capture the attention of the judges at first glance"

"I plan to be the best me. I believe that there’s nothing more unique and beautiful then being yourself 100% and representing one’s country to the best of you ability"

"Everything happens twice, the first time in your mind and then in reality."

"I’m a test-tube baby"

"I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. Maybe because of the fact that I was a test-tube baby, maybe because of the fact that my parents were very passionate about health"

"The thing I will always remember from this experience is the different cultures I got to experience. We ate Thai food every night in [Maeya Nonthawan Thongleng] Miss Thailand’s room. The US is very popular for their sweets, so Miss USA [Elizabeth Safrit] brought a lot of sweets for us to try… Miss Australia [Courtney Thorpe] was probably my best friend – people actually said that we look alike. It’s so funny because she’s amazing at doing make-up and I was good at doing hair so we helped each other for the final"

"It was a childhood dream that came true and as big an honor as it is, it is still a responsibility…But it’s also not the destination; it’s the beginning of a new journey"

"If you look at beauty, it fades. What we are working on is a legacy that will last beyond our lives. If you really look at what Miss World has achieved in raising millions of dollars for charities, you’ll see that we’re making a big difference in people’s lives."

"I actually do my own hair and make-up which comes in handy because I don’t always have someone. I have someone who helps with styling, Werner Wessels, and he’s been helping me [from] before I became Miss South Africa. My style is kind of the way you tell a story without people being able to speak to you. My style icon is Princess Kate Middleton"

"It’s part of who I am, part of what I want to be. I want to be able to practice and I also want to start a business that focuses on women’s health…I like the holistic approach to women’s health and my health because I believe that your mind and body are interlinked and connected so if you look after you mind you automatically look after your body, also vice versa"

"In life, you get a lot of platforms to do good, to reach for your dreams and have a positive influence on other people’s lives as well. Whether it’s through education, being a doctor, or others have the platform of being good at sports. That way, I’ve received the platform of Miss World and I’m going to use it to do good"

"We chose each other and chose to trust one another, to be gentle, and to put in the hard work"

"We had to learn how to live in the present, and decided to embrace every season and moment"

"We tried to not overthink the goodbyes, but rather saw them as an opportunity for the heart to grow fonder again"

"The biggest lesson I learnt from being raised in a small town is that you might not have all the opportunities there, but when you do get one, you should grab it with both hands"

"It was all about what you look like, whereas pageants and Miss South Africa was more holistic. It’s about using your unique skills and talents to really make a difference"

"True beauty lies in how you affect other people"

"I did my master’s in philosophy and studied leadership coaching to develop a model for women who struggle with their self-confidence. I use this model in a lot of the keynote talks, workshops and seminars I do, and in the business talks I give with my husband"

"I believe that very often, we turn to people to crown us with a title – ‘you’re good enough’ or ‘you’re pretty enough’ – and we always wait for someone else to put that crown on our heads"

"It’s about becoming the queen of your life, instead of trying to be the queen for everyone else and fit into their boxes."

"They brought me back to enjoying every moment, seeing its beauty and embracing everything as an adventure"

"They just tore all the unnecessary details away from life. They got to the core of building a heart-to-heart connection and being there for one another. They ground me in who I am"

"We struggled through our obstacles, stood up after difficult times and gave hope to so many countries where equality is a struggle. This shows us that we are capable of great things and we are resilient"

"The fact [is] that we as humans don’t realise how much potential we have to do good, give and make things right. How amazing would it be if we all realised our potential"

"I am the University of the Free State’s first successful test tube baby. One of the greatest gifts anyone can receive is the gift of a healthy life. With my passion for giving, people and health, I will be able to contribute to one of the most important things any country desires: health for all"

"Life is a choice"

"I was a miserable newly wed and often pondered about where I should be travelling to, wondering what I was doing on a farm. I decided to burn my diaries of my time as Miss World, because I did not want to live in the past anymore"

"One of my fondest memories was in Austria. I was called out to the balcony of the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. The full moon shone over the trees in the vast garden and a white carriage appeared. Ballerinas stepped out of the carriage and performed a magnificent ballet in the garden"

"What really brought me down to earth, was when I lost my first child"

"I remember sewing nighties for them when they were small and later washing and drying the army uniforms when the boys came home for the weekend. I still see myself hanging those uniforms over heaters to dry"

"It was incredibly stressful, because I was always terrified that I would forget what I wanted to say"

"I am a gatherer. If I like someone, I invite them to my home"

"Life has changed enormously over the past 11 years. There are times when we get depressed. We have to just come to terms with it"

"There was a collision on the field resulting in his horse stumbling and then falling on top of him. Nicholas sustained a brain stem injury and while he can hear and understand everything and his brain is fully functional, communication is difficult"

"Being able to dabble between the Television, corporate and modeling industries, has afforded me the opportunity to equip myself with several skills, that have helped me tackle each project I work on with a fresh approach, and new ideas."

"As exciting as this was, on one hand, I got to experience the full acceptance and love from being treated like a South African, and on occasion, with just the mere mention of my surname, I felt what it was like to be treated like a foreigner."

"I am entering Miss South Africa with the hopes of bringing unity within the African continent. I would like to start conversations that are aimed at repairing the damage caused by xenophobia, not only in South Africa but all over the African continen"

"My parents inspire me to treat people selflessly. I am also inspired by hardworking and determined people, Mo Abudu from Nigeria is an African woman who is surpassing the limits set by society to conquer and pave the way for others to conquer, that is inspiring. When people achieve and help others get there, that inspires me"

"Basically you are more than any situation you find yourself in, because you’re a human being; constantly becoming a better version of yourself"

"It is encouraging, women should support women, our strength lies in our ability to give a helping hand to a sister in need. The best thing is helping others to achieve once you arrive at your destination. We go through so many similar difficulties and challenges that should make us want to work more together instead of fighting each other. A supportive circle of successful women will always thrive against all odds"

"There were times in South Africa when I told someone that I was from Nigeria and their countenance will change. For the most part, I tried to surround myself with positive people and, I did have some friends"

"My older sister always keeps tabs on Nigerian news and celebrities. She wanted me to contest for the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria or Miss Nigeria, she later decided on MBGN. So she bought the form for me and filled it out for me"

"I had put my mind to doing the very best I could. I wanted to tick their boxes as much as I could. I knew I had to be articulate and smart, and I set my mind to do that"

"I was so surprised I made the top five and finally declared the first runner up. It is a game so you never know who is going to win"

"Since I left MBGN, my sister and I started a beauty business. We are rebranding so I cannot release the full details now. I also wrote an anthology, ‘Woman like the Sea’ it is about the struggles women go through. I also have a podcast titled 'Feminine Expressions' coming out soon"

"I am so grateful I got to be the first runner up and represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe contest. I met so many wonderful people there who I still talk to today. We even have a Whatsapp group. When someone gives birth or gets married, they post it on the group. I love it"

"No, I do not think pageants are shallow. All pageants pass an important message through a beautiful person or face. It is always a combination of beauty and intellect"

"People always think I am biracial especially, in Lagos but, I am not. I cannot tell if there is light-skinned privilege. I know there is pretty privilege because people would want to talk to you if you are pretty"

"I think what is common nowadays is people trying to attach themselves to the light-skinned complexion by bleaching"

"When I was younger, people would try to put my sister’s beauty against mine and say things like 'you wouldn't be pretty if you were dark-skinned' or tell my sister she would be prettier if she were light-skinned. We need to accept people the way we see them"

"Plus, dark skinned people are getting more representation is music videos and movies now and that is great"

"Because my family is in South Africa living in Lagos during the lockdown dealt with my mental health negatively. I always thought I was the sort of person who loves to be alone just in my corner writing how I feel but, the lockdown taught me that you need people around you"

"Even after the lockdown, I realized that you need friends and people you can count on"

"Yes, I am, though I do not like to subscribe to labels because sometimes we get hung up on the labels and forget the cause. Although, I am an advocate of women empowerment and gender equality"

"Venturing into filmmaking, I did not quit modelling, rather I shifted my attention and priorities to creating films. When I was younger, I always loved storytelling, so when I got older and realised that there could be a career in the field, I pursued it,"

"If you are blessed, you find yourself with many talents that you can utilise with ease. That was the case with modelling, acting and making movies. The reason storytelling has taken centrestage is a matter of what I enjoy more between the two"

"As a little girl, I never dreamt that one day I would be a model. I remember in high school, I was in social clubs such as Interact and hosting a pageant, not once did I have the inclination to partake in it. Only after high school I was scouted by Mercy Mushaninga through her Zim Gossip Agency, and I did entertain the thought after much persuasion"

"I do have to say that the Lord knew what He was doing as His grace saw me groomed and polished to be the person I am today. Modelling brought about confidence to a girl who was born on the left side of the island, it opened doors that seemed beyond my reach and broadened my perspective as to what I can achieve"

"My foray into professional modelling began in 2011, where after winning a number of local and regional pageants, I made history when I was crowned as the youngest Miss Zimbabwe ever"

"During a year-long reign, my role under the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority centred on being a national brand ambassador and promoting the nation as an exciting tourist destination. This period also saw me winning various international pageants as well as undertaking a number of philanthropy initiatives, with the most prominent being a water and sanitation project with Aquamor"

"If it was back then when I did pageantry, it would be what did the pageant stand for, for example, Miss World stood for beauty with a purpose. To conform to that I took projects that spoke to their mission"

"We embarked on a water and sanitation project that saw us build, dig, and educate people on how to construct low-cost Blair toilets and protected wells. The project was done after the cholera pandemic of 2008-09, so it spoke to a prevailing need to prevent another outbreak"

"In runway, I pay attention to the look and mood of the designer’s vision. If it is a fierce look, I adjust my walk accordingly. In editorial, I analyse the image trying to be captured if it is a sweet innocent look, I then practise on the mirror angles and looks that capture that look. As I think of it, modelling is all about being a chameleon and acting out what is needed"

"Like any other industry, the modelling world has its pros and cons. My perspective is to know why you are getting into something and stick to your vision"

"There are too many to mention ... hahaha what I will say is that my most memorable moment was losing the Miss World pageant because that was the catapult that thrust me into my true love film"

"Modelling is a balance between owning your look (having a signature look character and characteristics) and being able to be malleable, so find your look and be open"

"My family are the first people who played a role in shaping my mind and their importance in my life cannot be emphasised enough. With them beside me, I know that everything will be okay and I know that I have purpose"

"I want to branch into the research sector so I can play a role in developing nutrition related guidelines to combat South Africa’s double burden of malnutrition and obesity"

"I am lucky enough to be on a platform that allows me to provide community education on the importance of a healthy life through a healthy diet. I have also recently started a campaign called #nyakazani which aims to get community members involved in responding to crises"

"I have always pictured myself as a role model for young women. Growing up I read about female trailblazers and always thought of myself as one too. I entered the competition because I am a driven woman who wants to make changes for the better of our country"

"I think it’s how we show love. My love language is showering people with gifts. I also reciprocate feelings when someone shows me love"

"beauty queens are the subject of harsh criticism and booing"

"It’s like a boot camp for women. It allows me to grow. About the bullying, you can choose to lock out the negativity and focus on the good things"

"From an early age, I had a seed planted inside of me, which I have been watering over the years, and seeing my dreams realised has been nothing short of amazing! Especially when this experience has far surpassed my expectations"

"I love a good challenge, and pageantry is exactly that; I get to be involved in community projects, take the lead on various campaigns, and find out more about myself and my own capabilities. Essentially, I get to step into my power. From afar, pageantry seemed like glitz and glam, which initially is what drew me to the industry; however, the closer I got, the more appreciation I had for this world, and I have not been able to turn back since"

"The issue that is most aligned with me is our flawed healthcare system. It is no secret that a lot of attention has been directed towards the Department of Health since the beginning of 2020 due to COVID-19; however, all that attention was only focused on the new pandemic on-hand. As a result, other sectors started to lag, leaving our country in shambles! I want to tackle finding interventions that will improve and strengthen health system resilience and financing through local, national, and global engagement. After all, a healthy society is a thriving one"

"As someone who is considered to be a part of the youth, I believe that I can speak for the majority of my generation when I say that the biggest lesson that can be learnt from 1976 is that: change is inevitable if you are willing to actively play your part towards seeking it. The students who marched bravely in 1976 knew what they wanted, and they took the necessary measures needed, drastic as they were, to see it through. We need to learn to have that resilience today as well! There are so many social injustices that need to be faced head-on. If we can learn to gather our strength and put on brave faces, we, too, can lead our own revolutions"

"After all, what you wear should be a reflection of who you are and how to keep yourself updated with the world’s and South Africa’s current affairs. I have been putting all of this into practice by actively searching for self-awareness; reading up on current affairs; thinking of possible questions, which I then answer myself; using social media as a tool to get my message across; using any free time I have to work with my community to find gaps that can be filled"

"I felt so privileged to be able to wear my country across my heart and to take people on a journey through our diversity and resilience. It was just an honour for me to have that opportunity"

"I definitely worked hard and expected more for myself but the journey does not stop there and it is now up to me to continue the legacy that has been created"

"It was quite difficult balancing my studies and the competition because I was in my penultimate year of my Law studies so I took some time off to focus on Miss South Africa because on its own it is a full-time job that requires all your attention. I had explained it to my lecturers and they understood and helped me finish the rest of my studies"

"I wanted first to prioritise my education and the purpose I had set out for myself which was to become a lawyer. By the time I entered again, I knew the power of what it takes to be a Miss South Africa and the importance of having a voice of relevance"

"Being in the Faculty of Law, one of the best in the country, there was so much support and help to learn both theoretically and practically. When I finished studying, while chatting to colleagues in the industry, I realised just how privileged we are to study at UJ"

"You may not be successful the first or second time around but if you believe in something, it is so important to never let go of that belief. Sometimes it may not be the right time but if you give up on yourself you won’t realise that. Don’t be afraid to fail, have hope, reevaluate yourself, and try again. If it is for you, it will find you at the right time. This is not just about following your dream but also choosing something to study and following the course"

"As a lawyer I am passionate about empowering women and I have seen how effective our law in South Africa is when it comes to the constitution. I wanted to start an initiative that helps women because they are the most vulnerable group of people in our society and need the most protection. Her Way Out is an initiative that allows women to find their way out. It is specifically targeted at empowering women in their legal rights and helping them to find platforms to better themselves. I’ve partnered with a legal firm and we have been working with Gender Based Violence victims in the courts, and working with women-led initiatives to help them"

"I am incredibly excited and honoured to have the opportunity to participate in the upcoming Miss Supranational competition. I have been working tirelessly to prepare myself both mentally and physically for the competition. These preparations have included intense training sessions to enhance my physical fitness, catwalk, poise and stage presence. I have also been working with top-notch trainers to improve my communication skills and develop a strong and impactful voice. I always say that the most important thing for me when preparing for any competition is to have a positive and healthy mindset and to have put in all the necessary work"

"It taught me invaluable lessons about confidence and grace. These platforms demand more than physical beauty- it’s about owning your uniqueness and embracing it. I learned to stand tall, speak my truth and carry myself with poise. The spotlight can be intimidating, but I realised that authenticity shines brighter than any spotlight. And now, as I step into the international arena once again, I carry with me the lessons learned. I know that genuineness, resilience and an honest connection with people transcends borders. Whether I win a crown or not, I’ll continue making South Africa proud. So, here’s to dreams realised, lessons learned and the magic of representing my country on a global stage"

"The outpouring of support from fellow South Africans has been nothing short of heartwarming. Their encouragement, positive messages and unwavering belief have fuelled my determination. To every person who has cheered me on, sent kind words or simply believed in my dream, thank you. You are not just spectators, you are part of this adventure. Your love transcends borders and it’s a reminder that we’re all connected. Thank you for your support, and I can’t wait to embark on this new phase of my incredible journey"

"I want to empower all women, no matter the issue, from those battling gender-based violence, pensioners, women with health problems, professional women, mothers, grandmothers and daughters. Women are facing severe issues which stops their progress in life, and the time is now to recognise that women’s rights are human rights and that women can become whatever they want to be. In my legal career, I have witnessed the disparity which exists between men and women and the existing patriarchy enforcing power over women, which urgently requires our attention and voice for change"

"I have seen a woman glow when she heard she had tenancy rights and could not be evicted from her home of 43 years and I have comforted a domestic worker who wept on learning she had legal recourse to summary dismissal and was later awarded a six months’ salary. There are no small victories here. These are monumental life-changing moments and I want to make sure that this happens more and more. I’m a lawyer, so how can I not use my background to empower women to help themselves? All women need to know is that the law is on their side. My mission and pledge is to teach a woman about her legal rights and let her know that information is Her Way Out"

"I have always believed that being different is a superpower and becoming the second South African of Indian descent to represent our beautiful country on the international stage is a testament to that fact. I will be giving the competition my all and have already started extensive preparations. I cannot describe how excited I am to start this Miss Universe journey and, as this new chapter unfolds, I am fully committed to my support of women equality in South Africa. My advocacy is to address and remove the gaps in the progress of women empowerment by introducing mentorship programmes focusing on business and leadership courses, entrepreneurial and job training programmes and skills development training programmes on secondary to post-tertiary levels of education for girls and women"

"I wanted to try something different to challenge and push myself"

"I consider it an honour to touch people's lives"

"Those experiences helped me conquer many fears and self-doubts"

"I enjoy it and love embracing my full authentic self"

"I encourage everyone to experience the diverse art scenes, amazing food and warmth of its people"

"I have my moments of doubt and vulnerability just like anyone else"

"Stay true to yourself and keep pushing forward"

"Growing up in a village made me realised the importance of education. It is important for young girls and boys to be educated and to break the cycle of poverty through education. It is my wish to work with corporates and universities across South Africa to champion the power of education"

"I would like to change that and make women and children feel safe in our country – gender equality is important"

"I am Miss SA 2022. I have uttered these words more than a thousand times before, but to be able to say it today and it actually being my reality is so humbling. Look at God"

"I would like to glorify my heavenly Father for making this dream come true. God has carried me and prepared me for such a time through every season of my life, and it is through His faithfulness that I am here. With every step that I took, I had peace in knowing that He was there with me and I know that He will continue to guide me to touch as many lives as possible in this new chapter"

"A big thank you to the Miss SA Organisation for this incredible platform that you’ve created for us young women to grow, lead and fully face our power. There is no other space that embraces the power of women in all their diversity and that also empowers them to give back tenfold. I am honoured to continue to do what I love in partnership with the organisation, which is to serve my country"

"For a girl from Gabaza to be seen, embraced and chosen to represent her country is a groundbreaking moment. A moment that reaffirms that our dreams are valid, regardless of where we come from. I am grateful for the women who have gone before me who broke the glass ceilings so I could stand here today empowered, fulfilled and ready to proudly raise the South African flag up high everywhere I go and to shine the light of hope to all South Africans"

"As your Miss SA, I understand the importance of representation, because it is through seeing other women look beyond their fears and their circumstances, that I gained the courage to rise to the call. I will represent SA, in all its diversity, resilience and beauty. It really does take a village, and I am so grateful that my village showed up for me. It is now for me to work and ensure that every success of mine overflows into my country"

"I plan to meaningfully contribute to levelling the ground for all South Africans, by increasing the accessibility to information for those in underdeveloped schools"

"I think that a lot of people can relate to my story and it's also an example for other young women from a small village to dream big, believe in themselves, regardless of where they are in life"

"As someone who comes from a small village, I know the mindset is there that the youngsters limit themselves because they are not exposed to as much but I want to inspire South Africa’s youth to open up minds, dream bigger, see what is possible and know that our communities are willing to show up for us"

"I am passionate about creating an equitable education system in SA because I think that it is so important to ensure that every youngster in the country is given the opportunity to gain skills and resources to be a success in whatever profession they choose and that no one gets left behind"

"When this happens, it leads to many other problems like crime and teenage pregnancy because young people feel like they are unable to be part of a bright future"

"Leadership involves responsibility. I want to be an ambassador with deep purpose and a voice that reflects this country. I intend to take EYA very seriously during the coming year of my reign and ensure that everything I and my fellow finalists do, is anchored in impact and can be measured when I hand over"

"I’ve carried so many of you guys with me and for me it really is a testament of intentional leadership and how if you really wanna see change within the systems that you step in, you need to just start somewhere"

"My heart is so incredibly full. If I’m being completely honest it feels like I’ve won the World Cup. That’s the best way I can explain it"

"It feels like I’ve won the World Cup, but I walk - I was gonna say I walk out of this, but really I walk into this as a completely different woman. But I still carry my old self into it"

"I want you guys to see the kind of courage that it takes, the kind of thought and the mindset it takes and how sometimes you really just have to be willing to bet on yourself to be able to take it like one step further"

"It’s still sinking in. I am surrounded by community and so incredibly honoured. I plan to continue the work I have already started"

"But now with the support and guidance from Miss South Africa and Empower Youth Africa, we are able to do it on a bigger scale with more resources. I am so incredibly humbled"

"Standing on that stage, I felt such gratitude. Not just for the crown, but for the journey that led me to that moment. It was such a moment of validation for the little girl in me who doubted if she belonged in certain rooms, let alone on that stage"

"My name really reminds me that being a leader is not about status, but really about service. Living up to that name now means remaining rooted in my purpose even in moments of discomfort. It motivates me to be the voice that creates space for others to grow and feel empowered in the spaces they step into"

"Our journey has been so deeply intertwined. Watching my sister on the Miss SA 2023 stage really showed me how attainable our big dreams are. She taught me how to remain graceful under pressure and to really stay true to myself regardless of where I am"

"I saw how much she transformed during her journey through Miss SA and what an incredible platform it is for self-development"

"To me inclusive education means that a child’s financial, linguistic, cultural and socioeconomic background does not hinder them from receiving fair access to resources. True inclusion is acknowledging potential and providing resources for each child to succeed"

"Speech therapy taught me the importance of language in education. When a child is not able to understand the language they are being taught in, we cannot begin to address later unemployment"

"Growing up in the Eastern Cape really grounded me. It taught me to remain humble and the importance of community. In Idutywa, I learnt how success is a collective effort. From drawing water to preparing meals for big family celebrations, if you want to accomplish something it starts with community"

"I am really focusing on playing my part in breaking the cycle of unemployment from its root cause through addressing our illiteracy crisis. I plan on collaborating with multilingual authors, translators and illustrators to produce books and resources that are tailored to all South African languages. And to create literacy workshops for parents and teachers in underserved communities, because transformation really begins at the roots"

"I initially wrote the book for one specific child, but after seeing how it impacted her understanding of colours and counting, I wanted to make it more accessible to children. I started by self-publishing and distributing the one in isiXhosa, which I now plan to translate into all 11 official languages"

"I have come to realise through my speech therapy sessions that language builds trust. It really has been an easy way to say, ‘I see you.’ Being multilingual helps me gain insights into the lives and experiences of different communities. It may not give me an in-depth image, but it allows me to meaningfully connect"

"Most importantly, I would love to focus on how to support struggling learners and how to identify learners with delays in language or with special needs"

"Hope is contagious. I want to show our youth that your background does not limit your future. When you start doing the work with what you have, you become able to achieve goals you previously thought were impossible"

"I view the prize package as a seed for my future, not an immediate reward — although I will likely buy myself something fun as well. During my reign I want to create a foundation for my literacy work that will carry on past my reign as Miss South Africa."

"South Africa, I have poured my heart into this journey. Every step, every late night, every moment of doubt and triumph, all leading to this final moment on that stage"

"It took years of hard work, sweat and tears to rise from a place of zero confidence, from once hating my complexion, my height and my figure to standing tall and proud in my truth"

"When I was on-stage during the crowning moment I was thinking to myself that whoever gets this crown is so deserving of it. when you are in that moment you can just be at peace, and just let go and let God take over. Even when Qhawe and I were standing there, we even forgot that we had to turn on que because we were just so in our moment. I was thinking that the fact that I have even gotten this far is enough. Whatever happens now is all up to God"

"I don’t think people understand that you don’t necessarily need a crown to fulfill your duties. the Miss SA organisation is still going to hold my hand through and ensure that my advocacy does actually breath life into the people that I want to reach. It was such a rewarding moment for me when I got that position knowing that I’ll still be able to be within the proximity of working with the organisation and the queen as well"

"They were really amazing. I think the sisterhood that gets born in that system is so beautiful because if you are missing an earing, someone has got you. If you are missing this or that, someone is always there to help. How we were stepping into an new era and having to now hold each other hands in support and not necessarily look at each other as competition, is comforting"

"just a drop in the large ocean of my amazing supporters who fuel me every single day"

"Being sashed First Runner-Up at Miss South Africa is a moment I’ll cherish forever, not just for what it represents, but for what it means in God’s divine plan. Every message, every word of love and encouragement has touched my heart deeply"

"I am exactly where I’m meant to be, walking in purpose, grace, and gratitude"

"I am my ancestors’ wildest dream, standing tall because of the prayers, sacrifices, and strength that came before me. And for that, I am endlessly thankful"

"A girl from Alexandra to the Miss South Africa stage. This journey has truly been nothing short of grace, growth, and gratitude"

"This crown is not just mine, it belongs to every dreamer from humble beginnings, to every girl who thought she couldn’t, but did anyway. South Africa, thank you for trusting me with your hearts. The journey doesn’t end here; it’s only the beginning"

"Impumelelo Girls Mentorship is a movement dedicated to breaking barriers and unlocking the potential of young women through mentorship. It empowers young women to excel in education by being afforded access to education and pivoting in their careers. By providing guidance, support and opportunities, the aim is to nurture the talents and aspirations of the next generation. My mission is to change mindsets, foster ambition, and create a stronger and more equitable society"

"The future belongs to you, you are the leaders, innovators and change makers. You are in charge of crafting your journey and become what you desire, the world is your oyster if you believe that you are possible. Your voice matters"

"Now, being in the Top 30 means that I have an opportunity to write a new chapter that is championed by a deeper purpose - to empower young women of South Africa"

"I think this time around, I really know who I am as a person. I want to show my authentic self, which includes being vulnerable"

"I’ve dedicated the last five years to personal development, running charitable activations, pursuing my Master’s in Marketing at the University of Johannesburg, and working closely with young women to assist with access to higher education and career opportunities"

"Even if I don't make it, I would have fulfilled my purpose"

"Dreams do come true. I'm from Soweto, and despite growing up in a modest four-room house and now pursuing a master's degree at the University of Johannesburg, I've shown it's possible"

"Start each day by being thankful"

"I am excited and still can’t believe this. It has been my dream and I thank God for the opportunity. The first thing that I am going to do with the money is to take my mother out"

"It has been long since I did that. I also want to pay my tuition fees and at the same time look for someone who would want the same assistance"

"In 2014, I entered Miss Parade and was voted first runner-up. I am signed with Decean Modelling Agency in Cape Town, South Africa"

"I took the tutorials by Marry Chiwenga. I said my aim is the crown. Here I am,"

"models should work with professional agencies for them to succeed in the industry as they know the actual requirements"

"It means love and beauty is not only based on physical features, but intelligence, heart and love and that was what the late Kiki Divaris was made of"

"I started modelling when I was very young. I was only 19 years-old. I did not know anything"

"Right now, I think I have learnt and know a lot. I have enough confidence. This is a comeback and I am happy to be taking part in this year’s pageant"

"I like her because she is an active philanthropist who helps organisations that work to improve education, human rights, health and the environment"

"My beauty with a purpose project has managed to secure funding of about $8 000 from Zimplats, from that $3 300 went to 15 children’s optometric visits. We managed to get them spectacles looking at how they are affected by the sun"

"The project also gave sunscreen lotions, disinfectants and lip balms to people affected by this condition in Chitungwiza. I had the greatest feeling of my life just seeing a smile on their faces"

"When you are an ordinary person, there are many things you tend to just turn a blind eye on, but working on this project has opened my eyes that apart from people living with HIV, cancer or other ailments, people living with albinism require special attention"

"Growing up it was not easy for me, witnessing my mother go through difficult times trying to make ends meet in raising me up"

"There are times that are still painful for me to talk about, but my mother is a fighter and she gets things done and she never gives up and here I am today thanks to her"

"My mother always told me that she could not give me the world, but only education because that’s the inheritance I get to keep for life. I remember one time I had to go for entrance tests for my Form One. We had to walk from Lynwood Mvuma to Holy Cross High School by foot because it was a matter of saving for entrance test fees"

"Those who are familiar with Chirumanzu know that it is a long distance between those places. I recall we left the house at around 2am in the morning for us to get to Holy Cross before 8am for the entrance test. I also remember when I had to stay with my grandmother and mother was at school and we were financially strained. I had to walk to school without shoes"

"This one time in Form 4, my mother had to wake up at around 4am to ask for financial help from one of the farmers in order for my school fees to get paid"

"It was not easy to be there. When I look back at everything, I truly believe that"

"I have so many people who are not even related to me to thank for helping my mother to send me to school. I always try to reflect on how I got here so that I can get motivated to try and do better"

"I had the privilege to be raised by strong independent women, when my mother fell sick and when she also had an opportunity to go back to school I had to go and live with my grandmother. The most amazing human being ever, I wish she was here to celebrate this moment with me"

"My late grandmother taught me how to cook, how to take care of myself, how to pray and to work for something, she was like my second mother,” said Charlotte. “She would always tell me that there is nothing for free in this world. My grandmother was a tailor and she would make us clothes, but to get them you had to do something in return either help weeding the fields or fetch firewood and then she would give them to us"

"I used to shrink myself in the crowds so that people won’t see how tall I am, because I used to get mocked for being the tallest girl in class and at school. Even walking in the streets right now, people still find it amusing that I am this tall"

"So, I never participated in anything that would make me stand out as I was always referred to as “toro” tall girl and to me back then it diminished my confidence"

"Honestly, it was about giving myself the grace to try so that I will not regret later on. What I have learned is that if you give yourself grace to try God always meets you along the way"

"But I am accepting these changes with a grateful heart as I know that being chosen amongst the most beautifully intelligent young ladies in my country, God saw fit and worthy of me to be crowned. I know it takes hard work, preparation, sweat and sleepless nights to be selected among the best 11 contestants, but to be crowned I believe it is destiny"

"I came to Harare through tertiary education at the University of Zimbabwe, I was fortunate enough to get my first friend there and still my friend helped me get used to the Harare life and I quickly adjusted"

"I was not prepared and as always, I was planning on sabotaging myself again. These auditions happened when I was still preparing for the Makanaka fashion show. The time for Miss Zimbabwe Queen auditions was clashing with my rehearsal schedule"

"However, my friends from the Makanaka fashion show knew I once spoke about auditioning so when the time was going against me, they offered to drive me to the venue. My other friend offered to do my make-up and we did at the Rainbow Towers bathroom. I am so grateful to these people because they did not give me a room to make an excuse and I showed up for the auditions"

"When I started writing these book chapters, my mother reminded me that even in primary school, I was always commended for writing good compositions. I believe it’s something that was in me that wanted to be nurtured. When I write I get this sense of joy when I look at my work and it’s fulfilling"

"I’ve always taught myself to look for the beauty in it, to look for the beauty in the faces of the children, and to be grateful. I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining, and to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as a spokesperson. If I could teach also people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children would have a smile on their face."

"I think first of all, it takes bravery. To be a Miss World is to carry a burning torch. It is like action carried out by one to illuminate the lives of many. And I would dedicate my whole self, my love for the arts, and my voice to trying to uplift, empower, and educate people. And it would be my greatest honor and duty to hold this torch high enough so that all the world could feel and see its light."

"I have to try it first i have to try my vision first sometimes it works out sometimes it doesn't but i'd rather stay true to my vision and then explore others and learn that way than never listening to what i want"

"I think it would be really sad if we were to reach that point one because i feel like when you reach a certain age you will have an appreciation for what tagalog is the poetry of it the history of it how it's represented in our culture whereas if you were to take that out who else will pioneer our language for the next generation."

"if i'm rewarded for the effort and my performance then i'll be happy"

"Creativity, craftsmanship, intricate detail and vibrant colour. 🇵🇭 The Bagobo Tagabawa of Mindanao create intricate traditional garments woven from abaca and adorned with vibrant beadwork called pangulabe. Women wear beaded blouses (umpak ka bayi) and tubular skirts (sun’od), while men wear jackets (umpak ka mama), trousers (saro-ar), and headcloths (tangkulo). Each piece, taking up to two months to complete, features patterns inspired by dreams, nature, and epic tales — crocodiles, birds, flowers, and Mt. Apo — symbolizing the tribe’s deep connection to spirit (Manaman), people (Manobo), and land (Tana)."

"Sana she remembers why she’s there (I hope she remembers why she's there), what her core is, whether that be to go after a dream or to support her community or to make her family proud, just hold on to that."

"Celebrating the strength of the global cleft community and raising awareness for every child still waiting for care and those on their cleft journey."

"Loved the experience of learning about the art of Turkish Rug making. We were able to experience how the raw materials such as silk is spun, dyed and woven on these looms."

"I’m very, very happy because I’m such a colorful person!"

"I was thinking, what were really the pieces that add value to me, that I really use? That I feel like have a purpose, hindi lang s’ya pretty pero functional din s’ya (not just pretty but also functional). That’s how I thought of it."

"(My house is) very colorful! My taste is bold and eclectic. So I have a lot of different colors and mostly locally produced and sourced furniture."

"The Mayon is very significant to me. And even to my mother, so to have a piece that reflects my vibrancy and the curves, the shape of the lava there, is really special to me as well,"

"Kaya may bookshelf ako kasi (The reason why I have a bookshelf is) I love bookshelves, you can make it even for even your dining ware… Or you can make it your books, your plants, you can make it anything you really want. Each piece sana can be seen in anyone’s home, no matter what work they have or what their aesthetic is. I feel like the pieces can find a place there."

"It seems fitting to celebrate and reflect on my fifth year anniversary as I stand now on the cusp of a whole new chapter,""

"I have creative collaborations with different brands in the next coming months. It has really allowed me as a creative to feel very fulfilled…"

"Dream job would be anything allows you to be creative."

"Proof that you should never ever give up on your dreams!"

"I have a newfound tension when I step outside, a new anxiousness with my surroundings and belongings."

"Things are just things and things can be replaced. Family and their safety is the most important thing."

"I think it's wonderful."

"Let the full weight of justice fall on those who betrayed this nation and stole from its people, not for revenge, but for righteousness. Raise up leaders, Lord, with integrity, courage, and conviction."

"Strengthen every Filipino who longs for justice. Restore truth, accountability, and justice."

"We are the generation who will not let corruption win,"

"Let's uplift our girls and tell them how they impacted us, made us proud - and when they pursue their respective journeys lets support them."

"I think that if you are not comfortable, it really shows and I really believe that your energy speaks the loudest than any great outfit does. So if my energy is off because I'm uncomfortable, because I'm fidgeting, I'd rather be comfortable and allow my energy to speak the loudest."

"Good times made even better with good company."

"Always a proud Filipina 💜 Until next time, New York!"

"As a creative, it’s not every day your work gets recognized… and to be able to represent our country on this kind of global stage is really, really special."

"We’re both storytellers. We feed off each other’s creative energies."

"Maybe our approach wasn’t out-of-the-box enough"

"Let’s raise awareness together and celebrate the strength of cleft-affected individuals and their families around the world."

"I always say like to remember why you went on that journey in the first place. And it could be any journey that resonates with you — either it’s opening new doors and opportunities for yourself, or elevating your community, for the cause, or for the country."

"Philippines, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. This journey has been made even more meaningful because every single step of the way I felt each and every one of you right there with me."

"The first one was conquering myself. Like every single person I had to overcome the fear that comes from within. But I conquered my fear with faith. And faith in myself. Because I knew that I was and I’m not perfect. But I knew I’m determined."

"The second was conquering others. There were so many times that people told me that I would fail.But I conquered others. I surrounded myself with people who uplifted me, supported me, and mentored me."

"The third and most important is conquering for a purpose. What was the point of all this? Who was I doing this for?"

"Inside each and every one of us is a king or queen with the ability to conquer the universe, whatever that may be for you. But we must first conquer ourselves, conquer what others perceive of us and finally conquer with a purpose, to conquer our dreams."

"From World to Universe and beyond. A friendship that's spanned 8 years and counting!"

"When I was younger, I would only feel fulfilled when I saw my life through the lens of career, but this year revealed so plainly to me that life's moments are best celebrated with those you love"

"I've achieved milestones that feel like have been years in the making, but that's not what I'm most thankful for. This year, I've finally built up the courage to reach out and lean on others when the going got tough"

"Faith is so foundational I can’t imagine being with a partner that also doesn’t support me and walk in faith with me on my same journey. So, it’s pretty much non-negotiable for me."

"I’ve been in a relationship with someone that didn’t really meet me at the same level of my faith and it was very, very difficult."

"We praise women when they’re career-driven, but then there’s also people who are like, ‘Oh, you do not have time for your family.’ And then you see women who are all about their family and they say like, ‘Oh, sayang (what a waste) you gave up your career, I don’t think I’ve ever felt sexism so strongly in my personal experience than I do in this topic."

"Fashion plays a really wonderful role in allowing women to feel empowered, because it allows an avenue for self-expression."

"It showcases either how we’re feeling and how we see ourselves, to celebrate what being a woman is, which is accessing different facets of ourselves, whatever the roles we feel or aspire to be. Fashion can really be an avenue where we can amplify and express that."

"A full circle moment. The Tropical Essentials campaign was my first welcome to the H&M family back in 2022. Four years later, I'm so honored to be chosen as the face of the Tropical Essentials collection for 2026."

"The storms will always come but we can be better prepared, systems put into place to mediate or reduce the affects. How I pray that our public funds will be used with transparency and intention to protect the livelihood, safety and essential human needs of the Filipino people."

"How I pray that we would hold our government accountable to how they exploit the environment to the consequence of increased risk for communities. How I pray we won’t just be glorified for being resilient when our nation is merely surviving."

"We deserve so much better."

"I pray we’ll never settle in a place of ‘ganun talaga eh,’ wag tayo masanay ('it's just like that, eh,' let's not get used to that). Who we put in leadership need to be held accountable to the responsibility of protecting and uplifting the lives of the nation."

"For now, let’s continue to spotlight the communities who are still in need of aid. Many communities are still cut off from fresh drinking water, submerged under water or are in need of basic needs."

"So it's just been a really healing journey. I feel like I came back home to myself."

"So the version of me now, I'm the healthiest I've ever been."

"My relationships with the people around me are the richest they've ever been. And so, in a way, I see the blessing and the hurt."

"An ending is not a failure."

"Thank you for the fight. Yours is a comeback story that I know well, and so it's with certainty that I can say, never denied only redirected."

"I witnessed firsthand that I was capable of accomplishing great things despite adversity"

"I must remain true to my values: respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity the strongest pillars that guide me"

"I must remain firmly anchored in my values guiding principles that pave the way toward excellence"

"I encourage them to push their limits, to walk confidently into rooms where they believe they do not belong, and to proudly embrace their identity"

"It is this commitment to being a positive influence that guides my decision today"

"I call upon Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant communities: continue entering spaces where you are not expected"

"Let us open the way for the brothers and sisters who will follow us"

"Never let anyone define who we are or limit our potential."

"Our presence matters, and our voices must be heard"

"I always knew even at a young age, that I had to take charge"

"Modeling is much more than a fashion show. It is the confidence you exude, the courage you show as you move forward to overcome the challenge facing you and the multitude of eyes staring at you like a lightning on a T!"

"Education gives us the opportunity to expand our abilities and specialize in a field that suits us the best"

"Education for All is one of the causes dearest to my heart"

"The emotional skill that should be taught to every child is self-love. It’s the foundation for confidence, resilience, and healthy relationships"

"When children learn to love and accept themselves, they’re equipped to navigate life’s challenges and shine their unique light"

"I would want to be the face of a representation of a new generation that mixes culture, that mixes modern and traditional"

"I want to be the face of a new era of women that are bold, that are leaders, that are unapologetic about who they are"

"I want to be a role model for all the young girls and let them know that you too can make it"

"Go in those rooms where you think you don’t belong, shine, and make sure you assume your identity. Because it’s time"

"I want to democratize Black beauty"

"It’s not about falling, but getting back up"

"Empowerment starts with listening"

"My heart is committed to causes that build legacies, not headlines"

"Success is measured in lives touched"

"During the first question and answer round, Wurtzbach was asked by host Steve Harvey, "Earlier this year, there was a controversy in the Philippines about the United States reopening a military base in your country. "Do you think the United States should have a military presence in your country?"Q&A: Pia Wurtzbach on US presence, being Miss Universe. Philstar.com. Retrieved December 13, 2025."

"During the second round of the question and answer, the top three contestants were asked the same question. "Why should you be the next Miss Universe?". Q&A: Pia Wurtzbach on US presence, being Miss Universe. Philstar.com. Retrieved December 13, 2025."

"During the interview with Preview Philippines for their May 2025 fashion cover story. Pia Wurtzbach on entering fashion week scene: 'I didn't want this to be a competition'. ABS-CBN. Retrieved December 13, 2025."

"Asked if its hard to always look beautiful. Pia Wurtzbach tells Pinays they can define beauty, confidence 'on their own terms'. ABS-CBN. Retrieved December 16, 2025."

"Wurtzbach shared an encouraging message to Filipinas as a beauty icon and role model. Pia Wurtzbach tells Pinays they can define beauty, confidence 'on their own terms'. ABS-CBN. Retrieved December 16, 2025."

"Wurtzbach shared how she used her dreams as a fuel to keep fighting. WHO SAID THIS: How Pia Wurtzbach redefined being confidently beautiful with a heart. ABS-CBN. Retrieved December 16, 2025"

"Wurtzback on becoming 2025 SheTalks Asia Summit co-chair Pia Wurtzbach named co-chair of She Talks Asia's 2025 summit. ABS-CBN. Retrieved January 11, 2026"

"Pia on letting go of sentimental Ms. Universe memorabilia auctioned to establish a Youth Center aimed at raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, reproductive health care, mental health care and a safe space for the youth. Pia Wurtzbach auctions iconic Miss Universe memorabilia for youth center. ABS-CBN. Retrieved January 11, 2026"

"Wurtzbach as lead of the Word Aids Day event in 2024. 'Our work continues': Pia Wurtzbach leads World AIDS Day event in PH. ABS-CBN. Retrieved January 11, 2026"

"Pia Wurtzbach's encouraging words for HIV-positive patients. 'Our work continues': Pia Wurtzbach leads World AIDS Day event in PH. ABS-CBN. Retrieved January 11, 2026"

"Wurtzbach on auctioning her memorabilia to fund her advocacy. Pia Wurtzbach to auction her sashes in Miss Universe, Bb. Pilipinas for a cause. ABS-CBN. Retrieved January 11, 2026"

"Pia Wurtzbach on delivering a powerful ad addressing the "sayang ka" (uou're a waste) mentality many people have against a lot of women. Pia Wurtzbach, in new ad: "While others deny us a seat at the table, we're creating our own space". ABS-CBN. Retrieved January 11, 2026"

"Pia Wurtzbach on handling scrutiny as a public figure. Pia Wurtzbach On Being Misunderstood. ABS-CBN. Retrieved January 11, 2026"

"Pia Wurtzbach Reveals Mental Health Struggles, How She Recovered. Ted Talks. Retrieved January 11, 2026"

"Pia Wurtzbach is proud of her sister Sarah's progress coping with PTSD. GMA. Retrieved January 11, 2026"

"https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/healthandwellness/849687/pia-wurtzbach-on-mental-health-struggles-it-never-really-just-goes-away/story/ Pia Wurtzbach on mental health struggles: 'It never really just goes away']. GMA. Retrieved January 11, 2026"

"Wurtzbach reveals getting diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and anorexia. it’s been a journey of learning, healing, sometimes falling off track, and then bouncing back again. GMA. Retrieved January 11, 2026"

"Pia Wurtzbach on mental health struggles: 'It never really just goes away'. GMA. Retrieved January 11, 2026"

"If there's one thing in the world that I want people to know about me, that's I'm a miracle baby. And I'm just so proud of that story kasi there's nothing in the world that's more beautiful than being born out of eight pregnancies. And my mom is so proud of me, and I have a family that really believes in me, and I think that I'm the most blessed person in the world."

"If there were no rules and I could be outrageous for one day, I would go to every politician that robbed our nation and I will take that away and give it to the right hands. And I thank you."

"In this lifetime, I would rather be kind than right. Because anyone in the world can be right, but not everybody can be kind. And I believe that if there's one thing in the world that's so beautiful, it's that even though the world can be so harsh to you, even if the world can grip you and break you into pieces, you can still be kind and I think that's power."

"I would rather have any other title than be the girlfriend of Donny because I believe that in love, there should be no contest. You should win as the girlfriend of somebody because that somebody chose you to be his girlfriend, and not because you won a contest."

"If I were to change something, gusto ko talaga magkapatid(I'd like to have a sibling)."

"When life gives you a second chance to live, you'll really feel the gratefulness."

"If I have to endure all these kinds of things for the end result that I want to achieve, then definitely I am for it."