Not only is Cheneil Hartzenberg (24) from Meredale one of the top 10 Miss SA 2021 finalists, she is also a commercial pilot and works as a senior flight instructor in a managerial role at a flight school
She also completed a digital marketing course with the University of Cape Town online last year.
She is studying for her airline transport pilot licence.
“I was in utter disbelief when I was told that I qualified to the top 10 Miss South Africa. After receiving the video call, I had mixed emotions. I was laughing then crying, then jumping around in circles, joyfully pacing and dancing. No matter how many times I had said to myself I was in the top 10, it was still unbelievable to hear,” said Cheneil.
She said since this journey started, she had entered into every stage of Miss South Africa being expectant of great things and despite this, the nerves were still there. It took her some time to comprehend the news that had just been given to her and slowly it is starting to sink in.
“I celebrated by telling my parents and we ended up getting some takeout, after which the packing for Cape Town started.”
Strive to achieve greatness
“I have learnt to believe in the beauty of my authenticity. Becoming my authentic self is an adventurous journey and I have to consciously choose to be authentic. Not only have I learnt to trust myself more, but I have become more confident in who I am,” she said.
She is passionate about ensuring the basic needs of the children in South Africa are met. She will be in support of programmes ensuring children are fed before, during and after school.
“I would also be supporting programmes that cater for the previously disadvantaged youth, and focus on building them up so that they can strive to live and achieve greatness without limitations.”
Memorable moments
Her most memorable part of the process so far has been interacting with the people who run this powerful platform, the Miss South Africa team as well as meeting four of the women who have paved the way for the rest of them and have lead by such great example.
“In the top 30, I was exposed to valuable information and learnt a great deal. I am looking forward to learning even more, so I can become an even better version of myself to benefit others. I want to be present in the moment and look forward to enjoying the company of the nine other women who share visions similar to mine.
“My advocacy for the youth stems from my personal experiences and comes from the heart. I have faced many challenges and have worked hard to overcome them and I want to inspire others wherever I go.
“I have stories that many can relate to and I hope I am privileged enough to represent and tell the untold stories of hope that our resilient nation needs to hear,” said Cheneil.
The final
Miss South Africa 2021 will be crowned on October 16 live from Grand West Arena in Cape Town. For the second consecutive year, the pageant will take place in the Mother City and will be simulcast live on M-Net (DStv channel 101) and Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) at 17:00, as well as live-streamed on the My DStv App.
You can follow Cheneil on social media:
• Facebook: Cheneil Breanne Hartzenberg
• Instagram: @cheneilhart
• Twitter: @Cheneil_Hart
