The stage is home to Rista

The stage is home to Miss Mayfair 2016, Rista van Rooyen.

The 19-year-old from Utrecht has excelled in the South African Championships of Performing Art, as well as in the South African Talent Championships, where she has scooped gold, silver and bronze medals for acting and modelling.

Yet, when asked about what it was like being crowned Miss Mayfair, this humble beauty says she was surprised to have won the title.

“I wasn’t sure I was even going to be able to participate because I had a terrible tummy ache that day. It was only an hour before the pageant that I decided I was going to compete despite feeling ill. When I saw how many contestants there were in my category, I was a bit nervous, but I thought to myself, ‘Let’s just do this,’ and I am so glad I did,” said Rista.

Even as a toddler, Rista loved performing for her parents and after entering and winning the Miss Kosmosfees pageant in her category at 6-years-old, the stage had been set for Rista to pursue her interest in acting and modelling with passion and vigour.

“I enrolled for modelling classes with Annique Models, and when I was 11-years-old, my Afrikaans teacher, Cindy de Villiers, saw me perform in a school play and decided to mentor me in preparation for the SA Championships in Performing Art,” adds Rista.

Rista is currently developing her skills as an actress and has played a small part in a locally filmed documentary called ‘Allegiance: Walking with the Dead’. She has also played a role in the film adaptation of ‘Vicky’ and will be playing the leading role in the theatrical production of ‘Vicky’, a play about a young girl that runs away from home and ends up in deep water, at the Newcastle Vensterfees in August.

Exploring all her options, Rista is also studying toward her Bachelor of Education degree, after enjoying the time she spent as a substitute teacher at a local crèche.

During her reign as Miss Mayfair, she hopes to make a tangible difference in the community and will be working with the Vryheid Lion’s Club to fundraise for charitable organisations.

“I have a soft spot in my heart for children with disabilities. I admire them because, even though they are living with disabilities, they don’t let it stand in the way of their happiness.

“Being crowned Miss Mayfair is a real privilege and I hope to use this opportunity to help others,” she concluded.

Rista thanked Cindy Mossop from the Lion’s Club for the hard work she put into organising the Miss Mayfair pageant, and also wished to thank her parents, boyfriend, friends and family for their support.