Retha Fitchat

The Vaal Triangle has a beautiful new ambassador: Franzé Janse van Rensburg, who was crowned Miss Vaal 2020 at a glamorous gala evening earlier this month.
For the main organizer and owner of the pageant, Erika Labuschagne, it was the highlight of a difficult year.
“Huge appreciation and absolute gratitude are the words that first come to mind when I think of this year’s Vaal Pageant,” says Erika. “It was a jumble of emotions. I don’t think anyone watching from the outside realizes the hard work that goes into these types of functions. I was fortunate to have an incredibly strong team behind me that helped a lot with the normal ‘behind-the-scenes’ problems.” Due to Covid regulations, the organizers had to work very creatively this year to fit in all the categories.
“The way that organizers, sponsors, finalists and our title holders have teamed up to make this year’s Vaal Pageant a huge success gives me much hope for the future. I look forward to working with the 2020 Vaal Pageant title holders to become ambassadors for the Vaal Triangle and to make a difference in the community. “
Erika herself can boast prestigious titles behind her name such as Mrs South Africa Globe 2019 and Queen Of Africa 2020. In addition she is also owner of Models Unlimited CC and co-owner and ambassador of Charms of Hope Foundation.
Getting sponsors for this year’s pageant was no easy task. Most businesses have set aside their sponsorships for the year because no one initially knew what lay ahead. For Edwin Strauss, Dealer Principal of Star Nissan Vereeniging, the lockdown rules and regulations also came as an unprecedented challenge, but thanks to his positive outlook, he decided to turn the challenges into opportunities. For this reason, Star Nissan Vereeniging became involved as this year’s vehicle sponsor.
“We were prepared to make a big commitment to make a new vehicle, a Nissan Micra, available to Miss Vaal 2020 for a year – firstly because we wanted to continue being involved in our community despite the lockdown; secondly because the finalists have caring hearts and do very good work among the less privileged, and thirdly because we wanted to keep the sparkle and “glamor” alive in the Vaal Triangle. The Mr & Miss Vaal Pageant is one of our region’s most glamorous annual occasions, which we wanted to help retain for the Vaal,” says Edwin.
It gives him great pleasure that this year’s Miss Vaal will be driving a Nissan to her many appointments and destinations. “The Micra is known for its perseverance and is a stunning example of contemporary style. Not only is it agile, responsive and well trusted but it’s also adored by young and old. The same can be said about the characteristics of our very worthy Miss Vaal! We wish Franzé many happy kilometers in the Micra,” he says.
The lovely Franzé, who grew up in Heidelberg, Krugersdorp and Henley on Klip, is a third year student in Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria’s Onderstepoort campus. Her usual fast pace accelerated after her crowning but she is excitedly looking forward to her year of reign. “Thank you to each person who has supported and believed in me through this journey, especially my amazing friends and family. Thank you to Star Nissan Vereeniging for my beautiful Nissan Micra that will help me touch lives in style this coming year. To the beautiful and inspiring woman behind this pageant, Erika Labuschagne, thank you for being a mentor to so many young women and for all your kindness and compassion,” says Franzé.
“As an ambassador for the Vaal I hope to inspire, empower and touch the hearts of many in my year of reign. I want to make the Vaal’s residents proud!” –     (Language editing: Carol Pittendrigh)