Tazlin du Plessis shines as Miss Unseen International 2025/26

When Tazlin du Plessis heard her name announced as the winner of Miss Unseen International 2025/26, she was overwhelmed with emotion. “For a moment, time stood still,” she recalls. “I thought about all the preparation, the prayers, and the incredible support from my community back home in Namakwaland. It wasn’t just a personal victory; it was a win for every young girl who has ever felt unseen or underestimated.”

Tazlin’s journey from the heart of Namakwaland to the international stage is a testament to resilience, purpose, and community spirit. Growing up in this tight-knit region instilled in her the values of humility, perseverance, and togetherness. “It’s a place where people stand together, even when resources are limited,” she says. “That spirit shaped me into a leader who leads with compassion. Namakwaland taught me that even from a small town, your light can shine globally.”

The Unseen International Pageant is unlike any other, celebrating inner strength, leadership, and community impact rather than outward appearances. For Tazlin, the title “Unseen” resonates deeply. “It means recognising that true beauty lies in character, service, and authenticity. I wanted to show that even if you come from a small or forgotten place, your purpose and your impact can reach far beyond your surroundings.”

Tazlin is already a familiar voice on the airwaves as a nominated radio presenter at NFM Radio, where she hosts NFM Brunch. Her platform allows her to engage daily with audiences on issues ranging from youth empowerment to positive community development. “As Miss Unseen, I plan to merge my radio platform with community work by highlighting stories of hope, empowerment, and social impact,” she explains. “It’s about using media not just to entertain, but to educate, inspire, and uplift.”

Among the initiatives closest to her heart is “Voices of Hope,” a youth empowerment project focused on self-confidence, mental health, and leadership. Through school visits and workshops, Tazlin helps young people discover their potential and purpose. “Once a young person realises their worth, they become unstoppable, and that’s how real change begins in a community,” she says.

Tazlin believes the Unseen Pageant is transforming the traditional pageant narrative. “For so long, pageants were defined by looks and perfection, but Unseen shifts the focus to purpose and authenticity. It celebrates women for their hearts, their resilience, and their impact in the community. Leadership, kindness, and confidence are far more powerful than appearance, and that’s a message I’m proud to carry.”

Collaboration is central to her vision. She seeks partnerships with organisations that focus on youth development, education, and mental health awareness. “I want to work with people who share the vision of empowering others and making every young person feel seen, valued, and capable of greatness,” she says.

For young people who feel overlooked, Tazlin has a clear message: “Don’t let the world define your worth. Every person has a purpose, even if it’s not clear yet. Believe in your small beginnings, because great things often start quietly. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, and never stop working on your dreams because the moment you choose to believe in yourself, everything changes.”

Through her reign, Tazlin aims to carry a message of hope and unity from Namakwaland to the international community. “Our region may be small, but it’s filled with strength, culture, and compassion. My message is that greatness can rise from any corner; no matter where you come from, you can inspire change. When communities invest in their youth, they invest in a brighter future for everyone.”

Looking ahead, Tazlin hopes her legacy will be measured not in titles or appearances, but in lives changed. “If even one young person looks at my journey and says, ‘Because she did it, I believe I can too,’ then I’ll know I fulfilled my purpose,” she says.

Tazlin du Plessis’s story is a shining example of how determination, community, and authenticity can lift the unseen into the spotlight, proving that true impact comes from heart, courage, and service.