From shy to confident for Krugersdorp West’s Stephnie

Stephnie Adriana Botha, 18, believes pageants are not just about who is the most beautiful. She believes that by participating in pageants, she can make a difference.

She was recently crowned Miss Royal World South Africa and is also Miss Junior Krugersdorp’s second princess.

Born in Warmbaths she moved to Krugersdorp with her family when she was just eight years old. She has been doing pageants for a while and said at first she wasn’t very confident.

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“I was picked on a lot but after a few competitions, I made more friends, created opportunities for myself, and got to meet some brave and inspirational people. Explaining how it feels doesn’t come close to when you experience it yourself. When I’m on that stage I feel worth it, more like myself, I feel free and extremely proud of myself.”

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She started modelling in 2016 under the leadership of Elmarie Nolte. The first real pageant that Stephnie entered was in 2022 and she won the Miss Teen Royalty title.

“At the age of five, I would get dressed up and pose for my mom while telling her that I will be one of those women walking in funny clothes in front of millions of people. My mom always encouraged me to follow my dreams and told me anything is possible if I want it enough.”

When her name was read as title winner she said there were chants from her supporters and the crowd. She had 10 000 things run through her mind while they waited for the announcement of the winner but when she heard her name she was on cloud nine and said her legs felt like jelly.

Stephnie was also a finalist for Miss Global Princess South Africa which took place on April 27.

“I am also involved with charity work in my community, Krugersdorp West and I am an ambassador for Jason’s Angels. They make people more aware of gender-based violence and human trafficking.”

Winning this title is a big responsibility for Stephnie.

“I get more people’s attention when it comes to charity work, sponsors needed, marketing and awareness of GBV, human trafficking, and bullying.”

Her advice to those who want to enter the pageant world is to always remember you are worth it; you are enough.

“Explore your options, and be proud of who you are. Follow your dreams and don’t give up. Don’t listen to people who discourage you, they will only drag you down. And always love yourself.”

She dreams of one day becoming a professional runway model and also does her best to make people aware of GBV and empower young girls and women to stand up for themselves, believe in themselves, and know that anything is possible.