Earthnews365 spoke to previous winners of Ms Earth 2023, Ms Water and Ms Fire 2023, who shared their involvement in projects benefitting the environment and local communities.
Duduzile Mbobo (25), was crowned Miss Water, as the 2nd runner up in the Ms Earth South Africa pageant for 2023.
She said “throughout my reign, my advocacy was to transform the textile manufacturing industry into a beacon of sustainability.
I was able to engage in different activities, such as the glitz of the SA Fashion Week, and see different South African designers, really go into eco sustainability and I was lucky enough to go to my old primary school and engage in their Christmas party.
I was also involved in River Clean Ups, in the Jukskei River, with Bubele Africa.”
One outcome from of this action, was waste management lessons shared among corporates involved, the community and uBubele Africa.
Zama Shandu Mbatha (27), Miss Fire Earth SA for 2023, is an attorney by profession.
Mbatha said “last year, was life changing for me. One of the closest projects to my heart, is next to my community in Olievenhoutbos in Centurion.
I gathered up some girls, and started a pageant with a purpose, called Ms Olieven.
These are young, shy girls, who are taught how to be confident. I am seeing the change and impact made, in teaching young girls about womanhood.
We’ve also done a lot of clean ups as well together.
Overall, my year has been nothing short of amazing.
In addition to meeting new people, my own horizon was broadened.”