Janie Erasmus, a true home grown beauty

Janie Erasmus has proven there is nothing better than home-grown beauty, after being crowned Miss Deaf South Africa.

The Newcastle born belle won the coveted crown in Pretoria on October 2.

“Winning was a great feeling, especially as I had entered the pageant on two separate occasions and was crowned as runner-up both times,” she said.

Since winning the title, Janie has been enjoying the responsibility of building a bridge between the deaf and hearing communities.

“Winning this pageant gave me a platform to make myself heard and to make our country proud.”

While many might not have heard of Miss Deaf South Africa, Janie said it played a pivotal role in the deaf community.

“The pageant is well-known to the deaf community, because of the awareness it creates around the many complex dilemmas faced by them.”

Janie said winning was no mean feat, and a lot of preparation went into competing.

“I planned my entry months before the pageant. I knew I would not be able to do it on my own and therefore requested assistance from the people within the community where I live.”

Janie was born in Newcastle and lived here until the age of five, when her parents moved to Gauteng.

“I was very fortunate to receive sponsors who assisted me in preparing my style, assisting me in my physical and mental preparations, as well as sponsors for some of the clothing I wore during the publicity week.”

Now as Miss Deaf SA, Janie said she had a lot of work ahead of her.

“I have the opportunity to influence he loves of people through public and motivational speaking, as well as assisting the needs of the deaf and hearing communities and I am involved wherever there is need.”

With good intentions in mind, Janie said she would be using her title to raise funds for cochlear implants for deaf children, as well as hearing aids for the elderly.

“I believe I have a story to tell about living my dream, bigger and bigger every day, in a way that will motivate people in both the hearing and deaf communities.”

With aims of helping the South African nation, Janie is determined to conquer the world.

“My immediate plans for the future are related to being the best Miss Deaf SA that I can be for our country, then to win the Miss Deaf World next year in Prague to showcase our country on a world wide platform,” she said excitedly.

Janie said her parents have been her role models throughout the years, as it was through them that she was able to win Miss Deaf SA.

“My parents taught me strict morals and to appreciate the important things in life. They also taught me to never give up; even if I failed more than once they showed me there was always another avenue to pursue and that it was important get up and wipe my tears away before trying again.”

After winning the crown, Janie said her family had been extremely supportive during the duration of the pageant.

“My family believed in me from the start and are very proud of me of fulfilling my life-long dream to be Miss Deaf SA.”

She said it was vital to encourage deaf children to reach their full potential.

“Mothers should always encourage their children, and to realise that in order to achieve their potential, they must be willing to try. Even if they fail once or many times, they must get up, wipe their tears away and try again,” Janie concluded.