TZANEEN – Tzaneen pageant queen, Angel Maximbye, will be representing her hometown in the finale of Miss Winter Angels South Africa, at Victory Theatre in Johannesburg on Saturday, July 5.

Angel says her journey with Miss Winter Angels South Africa is not one of the ordinary, but a journey of self-discovery.

“Through this competition, I am discovering who I am in Christ and seeing myself the way Christ sees me. Not perfect, not better than others, but worthy to be loved. Being my authentic self, knowing that Authenticity isn’t about choosing who you want to be -it’s about discovering who God created you to be, and becoming that person,” she said.

From the age of 13, she saw herself as a beauty queen and competing on both national and international stages.

As a stepping stone, she entered a local pageant, Miss Bonn Village and she was crowned second princess. From there, her passion for modelling was fuelled, and since then she has won more than 40 titles under her name, including: Miss Teen Universal South Africa (first runner up), Top Model SA 2019, placed Top 10 on IJMSA, latest being Miss Remarkable South Africa Ambassador 2024.

“Miss Winter Angels stands out for me, because it is one platform that creates a safe, fair, and inclusive platform for young women from all backgrounds and infuses the love of God into pageantry while shaping Christ-like leaders. It is time for women to look within themselves and find their God given purpose, reject limitations, and have the courage to create and pursue opportunities through pageantry.”

Bongi Mels- Director and CEO of Miss Winter Angels South Africa. As an aspiring title holder of the competition, her mission is clear: to embody grace, strength and purpose by empowering all women across our nations and carry the legacy of the Miss Winter Angels Queens who come before her.

“I do not just want to represent the brand, but to live its mission everyday.”

During her journey as a finalist, she was part of the finalists who visited New Jerusalem Children’s Home in Midrand, where they handed in donations, which includes but not limited to food, toiletries, clothes, snacks, and blankets.

“We also spent time engaging and playing games with the children. Sharing love and words of affirmation with them- a reminder that they are loved and seen.

Further more, she managed to cook and serve about 50 underprivileged people on the streets.

“I enjoy cooking so much because for me it’s not just a plate of food, but a way of showing love,” she added.

The beauty from Mafaran Village outside Letsite also donated sanitary towels to learners at The Bee Hill College with the #EndPeriodsPoverty, because no child should choose between her dignity and her education.

No child should stay at home during menstruation period because of lack of toiletries such as sanitary pads. She believes people can change lives and end period poverty by donating one pads at a time.

“Being part of this competition has changed my perspective on life, and has shaped me into the woman I aspire to be everyday. The day I was chosen as a finalist, I knew I was given the opportunity to chase my dreams and I am not only just chasing the crown but I am chasing growth, purpose, and power. Being crowned Miss Winter Angels South Africa will be my biggest breakthrough, I have poured my entire heart in preparation of the competition, and I am more than ready and equipped to serve with grace and purpose,” she concluded.