Model crowned at Miss Africa 2017

KEMPTON Park was well represented by Heidi Smith (22) at the Miss Africa 2017 pageant at the ATKV-Buffelspoort Resort in North West.

Heidi was a finalist at the pageant and walked away with the first princess crown.

The first princess title is not the only thing Heidi walked away with on the night.

“I also won the Miss South Africa Global United at the same pageant, which has qualified me to compete internationally for Miss Global United next year,” said Heidi.

“I am still overwhelmed and very excited at the same time. It was a seven-month journey but I worked very hard for it.”

Adding to her titles, Heidi received four awards at the event.

“One of the requirements of the pageant was that we had to compile a portfolio where we write a biography about ourselves and document all the tasks we had to do and events we attended,” explained Heidi.

“The awards I won at the pageant are Best Portfolio Award, Perseverance Award, Best Event Award and Compliance to Task Award.”

Heidi told EXPRESS she had been modelling for five years but only became serious about it the past two years.

“I won Miss Pageant SA Gauteng last year and it has been a great journey.”

The youngster said she would recommend the pageant to other models. “It is a lot of hard work that requires dedication but it is worth it at the end.

“Another thing I enjoyed about the Miss Africa pageant was that a week before the final event we went for ‘Pageant Week’ where we visited various places, had interviews, evening judging and site seeing.

“It was a whole week of being yourself and just working on who you are and not all about looking pretty and going on stage.”

The third-year fashion design student added that she wanted to do more charity events.

“I am collecting bottles for Hartebeespoort Dam, among other things. I feel I just want to continue doing more for charity,” shared Heidi.

“I also help out at Kempton Park SPCA. I helped with toiletries and sanitary towels during the Knysna fires and visited Naartjie Pre-Primary School and Rising Sun Home which are both in Kempton Park.

“I am also trying to raise funds so I can get packs from Dignity Dreams, which manufactures and distributes washable sanitary wear to young girls and women from disadvantaged communities. I would like to distribute them to different areas where there is a need so they can also feel comfortable.”

The 22-year-old beauty is looking for sponsorship to help her realise her dream to compete at the Miss Global United abroad next year.

“I appeal to the community to help me raise funds and make my journey of competing internationally a reality.

“It will be my first overseas experience; any form of sponsorship will be greatly appreciated, be it make-up, beauty products or finance. I will be grateful.”

“I can be reached via my email address, heidi.leigh.smith@gmail.com.”

Heidi’s advice to upcoming models: “Pursue your dreams and never give up. You will never know what you can achieve if you don’t push yourself.”