Former Miss Springs and beauty queen Bejandri Lourens is taking another significant step in her pageantry journey after being named a finalist in this year’s Miss International South Africa competition.

For Lourens, the opportunity is about far more than competing for a crown. She believes the platform represents purpose, service, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in others’ lives.

“My journey began as Miss Springs, where I first discovered that a title is not about recognition; it’s about responsibility.

“That platform gave me the confidence to dream bigger and showed me the impact one person can have in their community,” she said.

Lourens has since represented South Africa internationally at the Miss Asia Pacific International in the Philippines in October, an experience she says shaped her understanding of leadership and strengthened her commitment to serving others with humility and compassion.

Reflecting on how she has grown since first entering pageantry, Lourens said her definition of success has changed significantly.

“When I first entered pageantry, I thought success was about winning titles. Today, I know it’s about the lives you touch along the way,” she said.

She added that pageantry has given her resilience and confidence while teaching her that purpose matters more than achievement.

Lourens said she first entered pageantry because she wanted to become the kind of woman she admired growing up, someone who inspires others to believe in themselves and use their voice for good.

“What keeps me going isn’t the competition itself; it is the opportunity. Every stage gives me another chance to share my story, advocate for causes close to my heart, and hopefully remind someone that they are capable of achieving their dreams too.”

ALSO READ: Gauteng surpasses HIV prevention target with Lenacapavir rollout

As she prepares for the national finals, Lourens is focusing on both her physical and mental well-being.

She said she is training consistently, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and refining her stage presentation, while also making time for prayer and surrounding herself with people who keep her grounded.

“I have learned that confidence comes from preparation, but peace comes from knowing you’ve given your very best,” she said.

Lourens believes what distinguishes her from the other finalists is her commitment to serving others beyond the pageant stage.

Through the JustBrave Foundation, she advocates for vulnerable women, children and young people while also mentoring aspiring models.

“I hope it is not simply because I wore a crown but because I made people feel seen, valued, and inspired,” said the beauty queen.

She acknowledged that pageantry comes with pressure and criticism but said she has learned to focus on constructive feedback while staying true to her values and faith.

If crowned Miss International South Africa, Lourens hopes to expand the JustBrave Foundation’s work by empowering vulnerable communities through mentorship, education, community outreach, and safe spaces that foster confidence and self-belief.

“I believe confidence has the power to change lives. So many people grow up believing their circumstances define their future, but I want them to know that their story doesn’t end where it began,” said Lourens.

Lourens credits her family as her biggest support system throughout her journey, along with her fiancé, whose encouragement has helped her through difficult moments.

She also expressed gratitude for the support she has received from members of the public who have sent messages of encouragement, prayed for her and voted for her.

ALSO READ: New Springs recycling facility aims to ease landfill pressure

She hopes her journey in modelling and pageantry will inspire young girls from Springs and similar communities to believe in themselves.

“I hope they realise that where you come from never determines where you can go. Dream boldly. Work hard. Stay kind. Stay humble,” she said.

For Lourens, success is not dependent on winning the title but on leaving this competition knowing she has represented herself with integrity, inspired even one person to believe in themselves, built meaningful relationships, and grown into a stronger woman.

Looking beyond the competition, Lourens plans to continue growing the JustBrave Foundation, mentoring aspiring models and using every opportunity to inspire confidence and positive change.

She also recently celebrated her engagement to her long-time partner and said she is looking forward to building a future centred on purpose, service and making a meaningful impact.