They’re young, beautiful, smart, and driven with a burning desire to contribute to the landscape of our beautiful country filled with countless opportunities. These are the 25 Miss South Africa 2016 semi-finalists. All Vaalies’ eyes will of course be on our local entrant, Sarah Botes of Vanderbijlpark. (Interview on this page). Of the 25 women who were chosen last week, 12 will compete for the Miss South Africa 2016 title in March next year when the winner will be crowned.
The Miss South Africa 2016 semi-finalists are an impressive group. Among them are a geologist, several psychologists and law students as well as an international television presenter.
The Miss South Africa pageant is the most prestigious pageant in South Africa, boasting a Miss Universe and three Miss Worlds’, and the women who have worn the crown are icons in many different spheres of life. These women are cherished in the hearts of many South Africans. And that is the hope, and dream, of every one of the top 25 semi-finalists: to have her portrait hung in that hall of fame.

Sarah Botes: Pretty and proudly
from ‘Steel-town’

Sarah Botes, lovely semi-finalist in the Miss SA competition 2016, is a proud resident of Vanderbijlpark, currently completing her BCom Honours degree in Industrial Psychology at the University of South Africa. Here Sarah answers some questions about herself, her life and her dreams.
Why do you want to be Miss South Africa and what do you think you will be able to bring to the role? I would like to contribute to the pageant’s legacy of beauty with a purpose and being a voice for the voiceless.
Which previous Miss SA has inspired you and why? Melinda Bam. She is a passionate and driven woman who won over the hearts of many South Africans with her warmth and charm. She inspires me to go after my dreams and to embrace my femininity.
Tell us something about your family: I come from a family of six who share a crazy sense of humour and many inside jokes.
What is your message to young girls and young women in South Africa? We are not racing against each other, we are running this race together. It’s time we started celebrating and encouraging one another.
If you won the Miss SA crown and were able to meet one person, who would it be and why? I would love to meet Trevor Noah. He is charming, funny and relatable. His achievements have inspired young South Africans to dream.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you? That I’m actually very shy! I’ve really had to push myself to become who I am today.
What are you reading? ‘31 promises to declare over your life’ by Joel Osteen. It’s a powerful book about how the words we speak determine the way we live.
What is on your playlist? I love listening to Hillsong or Bethel Music before I start my day. When I’m with my sisters, we listen to anything from Taylor Swift to Chris Brown.
Your favourite TV show? My parents believe that having a TV decreases our productivity so we don’t own one.
Your favourite meal? Sushi, especially when shared with my best friends.
What makes you proud to be South African? As South Africans we have so much more appreciation for diversity. Nothing compares to the feeling of pride when our country succeeds at something.