Emerald 2026 pageant celebrates disabled participants
The third annual Mr and Ms Mental Wellness pageant saw energetic support and participation.
The San Michele Home hosted its third annual Mr and Ms Mental Wellness pageant, the Emerald 2026, on July 25.
Participating centres were Vita Nova, Phiri Special School, Sunfield Home School, and Epilepsy SA, with Ps Peter Webster, Maurine Scholtz, Sharmain Lightfoot and Elrita van der Mescht as the judges.
The pageant entailed casual, sportswear and evening wear sections, with participants strutting the stage in their very best to compete for the emerald crowns.
Each participant received a sash and gift for their participation, but the best of the best received crowns and larger gift hampers.
This year, the king was Herman Saunders from San Michele, the first prince Karabo Matlala from Phiri Special School, and the second prince Yamkela Mahamba from Epilepsy SA.
The queen, from Epilepsy SA, was Lesego Motlalepule.
The first princess was Ankonisaho Masasane from Phiri, and the second princess was Gabeba Stowman from San Michele.
The MC was Amanda Koopman of San Michele, one of the organisers, who ensured a high-energy day with plenty of love and support for the participants.
Matron Sonja Raman was the co-organiser and dedicated the event to her late husband, Ralph Raman, who passed away earlier in the year and was very involved in both previous pageants.
