The Face of Potchefstroom competition was hosted for the first time in 2021 as a photogenic competition by JannyDjan Events. Janet Potgieter, the dynamic force behind the JannyDjan Brand (Acting, Modelling & Pageantry) in Potchefstroom, is a multifaceted individual with a passion for empowering others. With a rich background spanning acting, modelling, pageantry, and humanitarian endeavours, she embodies the essence of versatility and compassion.

Since then, it became an annual glamorous event with entrants from all over North West. Due to the demand and to give more contestants opportunities, Face of North West was included 2 years ago.

The purpose is to give individuals residing in the North West Province, who are interested in modelling & pageantry an opportunity to gain experience and exposure, that can take them to the next level, as well as giving them the opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause. Whether this is an individual’s first competition or not, the aim is for all to compete and enjoy every moment in a safe environment. All finalists and the winners will have the opportunity to use their sashes to make a difference in their communities and create a platform for themselves.

All finalists have had a voting code and ALL the proceeds of the fundraising were donated to their official charity – the Stilfontein/Matlosana Animal Shelter. In total this year, the amount of R9500. The finalist with the most votes were awarded with the Public Choice Award and had won a R1000 gift voucher from Mooirivier Mall.

The competition has 2 categories – Runway Modelling and Pageantry categories, for male and female contestants, in different age groups as well as Beginners and Advanced divisions, giving an opportunity to individuals who have never done competitions before, to not compete against experienced contestants.

The Photographic Award had gone to the finalist with the most captivating entry photo and had also won a R1000 gift voucher from Mooirivier Mall.

The Final Gala Crowning Event took place at Crista Galli in Potchefstroom on March 8. The winners walked away with beautiful sashes and crowns, gifts and a professional photo shoot to the value of R5000, with photos that they can use to further their Modelling and/or Pageantry careers.

The judges, who are all proudly local, have fast experience in both the Modelling and Pageantry industries in South Africa.

They were:

• Stephan Venter: Celebrated makeup artist, model, actor, performer, lecturer, motivational speaker, and television personality whose talent and passion have left an indelible mark on the arts.
• Charles Monaheng: Owner of Charles Fitness, well know in the pageant industry with various titles won over the years, as well as a signed and working model.
• Mirre van Belkum: Accomplished runway & photographic model who walked on runways both in South Africa and abroad and did photographic modelling for clients such as Sony South Africa and did a KFC commercial. She was a signed model at Boss Models Johannesburg for 2 years, but is focussing now on her studies at the North West University. She is still however active in local modelling.
• Marinet Potgieter: Accomplished beauty queen since she was 13 years old and currently signed model & actor at Blaze Talent and already booked jobs, including a McDonald’s commercial and a short film. She has walk on numerous runways, both in South Africa and internationally, appeared in various fashion and editorial shoots and is the 2023 Opulent Models SA Beautiful Fresh Face winner.
• The MC for the event was Bokamoso Mothibedi, presenter from Aganang FM community radio station.