Miss SA inspires young women

SANDTON – Women were inspired by motivational talks by Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and Mrs World 2016 Candice Abrahams at the IIE Varsity College Ladies to Legends event on 14 September.
5 hours ago

Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters shares advice with young women during the Ladies to Legends event at IIE Varsity College Sandton on 14 September. Photo: Sarah Koning

Young women from all walks of life were motivated by a range of speakers including Miss South Africa 2017, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, and Mrs World 2016, Candice Abrahams, at IIE Varsity College Ladies to Legends event on 14 September.

The event was open to the public and advertised on Facebook to empower women through inspirational South African women who have made it in a variety of fields.

Paulette Neo (left) and Nokwazi Radebe (right) pose with Mrs World 2016 Candice Abrahams at the Ladies to Legends event at IIE Varsity College on 14 September. Photo: Sarah Koning

The glamorous Candice Abrahams was the host for the evening, opening with a funky dance to music compiled by her son. She shared her experience of rising from humble beginnings and her journey to become Mrs World 2016. “My dream was to make a difference in society… I want to leave a legacy to inspire my two children… No matter your dream, life has bumps in the road, but don’t give up.”

Varsity College career centre coordinator Edith Chetty then proceeded to give a presentation on showcasing your personal brand for employability, giving advice on how to handle yourself in an interview and present your successes on a CV.

Varsity College career centre coordinator Edith Chetty shares some advice on how to brand yourself at the Ladies to Legends event at IIE Varsity College on 14 September. Photo: Sarah Koning

Former fashion magazine editor and style blogger Palesa Mahlaba shared her advice based on lessons she learned on her road to success. She said women need to find a mentor, have a vision and a plan and stick to it, get the right financial advice, start a business they enjoy and believe in it and most importantly deliver more than what is expected of them in the workplace.

Comic Gilli Apter brought in a few laughs before esteemed guest Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters took to the stage. 

She spoke about living a balanced lifestyle and the importance of education. She discussed the adjustments she has made in her diet in order to compete in the 2017 Miss Universe pageant. “You must always plan ahead and keep your goal in mind. Routine is key to help me manage my diet,” said Nel-Peters.

“I don’t believe you need to have a degree to be successful. We have the power to educate ourselves,” she added. She concluded by saying that a legend is a person who is willing to do something that others weren’t.

Young women rush into a photo with celebrities Mrs World 2016 Candice Abrahams and Miss South Africa 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters. Photo: Sarah Koning

Sandton Chronicle asked guests what brought them to the event. Paulette Neo said, “I’m a pageant girl and when I saw that Miss South Africa and Mrs World were coming to the event, it stood out to me. I came here to be inspired.”

Tezlin Wilkinson, a student at Milpark Business School, said, “I have found this event to be very inspiring. I really liked the fashion blogger because it is something I am particularly interested in.”

https://sandtonchronicle.co.za/187599/miss-sa-inspires-young-women/