Two young models and aspirants of community change, Danika van Deventer (20) and Juanica Herselman (10), were recently crowned Miss Teen South Africa and Tiny Miss Teen International South Africa.

These titles are directed by the Pageants SA organisation.

These ambitious Lowvelders represented Mpumalanga in these pageants, which ran simultaneously, and wowed the judges at the finale in Gauteng on October 5.

During the competitions, Van Deventer and Juanica had involved themselves in initiatives that uplifted their communities, such as enabling sponsorships to distribute reusable sanitary towels to less fortunate girls and raising money to assist underprivileged students with their tertiary fees.

Van Deventer will represent Mzansi at the Miss Model of the World in China in December and the Miss Teen International competition next year. This goal-oriented young woman believes beauty is more than just appearance.

“As the newly crowned Miss Teen South Africa 2024, I would use this title to show younger girls and boys to never fear a big challenge that comes their way, but rather to flaunt the talents God gave to them. I would also encourage them to never stop believing in their dreams, and that with hard work comes great achievement,” she said.

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Van Deventer also received the Miss Charity Ambassador Award for her community service.

The delightful Juanica has exhibited true inner beauty through compassion for others and remarkable dedication at such a young age.

“I am super excited about my crowning of Tiny Miss Teen International SA. In my year of reign, I would love to make a real difference in my community following the charity events I have done. These include obtaining sponsors for some fruit I took to SAVF Herfsakker Old Age Home and spending some time with the elderly. My mum and I visited Rob Ferreira Hospital to hand out lucky packets at the children’s ward. Additionally, I support the South African National Blood Bank’s blood drives at Laerskool Nelspruit, where teachers and parents are able to donate blood to save lives.”

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With this new crown, Juanica will have the opportunity to represent the country in the Tiny Miss Teen International competition in Turkey in May. She believes this is an amazing opportunity to exhibit her love for the world.

Both these beautiful queens will continue working to make a difference in their communities during the year of their reign.