Ritchie teen makes the cut for Miss Teenager SA

A 19-YEAR-old Ritchie teenager, Brizodine Louw, intends on flying the Northern Cape’s flag high when she competes in the Miss Teenager South Africa pageant.

Louw, who has been modelling since 2020, said pageantry has given her the confidence to chase her dreams.

“I first started modelling in 2020 and two years later, in 2022, I entered my first pageant. I immediately fell in love with pageantry and found it more exciting than runway modelling.

“Competing in pageants has enabled me to unlock a deeper confidence in myself. I have learned to interact with large crowds and also at the same time grew my self-esteem. I can now connect and read an audience better,” Louw said.

She said her previous pageant entries also gave her the courage to enter for Miss Teenager South Africa.

“I participated in the Miss Heritage Northern Cape pageant. That was an exciting experience since it was my first. Although I was not crowned the winner, it encouraged me to sharpen my skills. It gave me the courage, confidence and determination to enter the current pageant.

“We are 140 finalists from across the country and it can be intimidating to go for the prize against so many people. However, it is an honour to have been selected as a finalist. This opportunity will not only equip me with the skills to recognise my strengths, but will also enable me to form new bonds with other contestants.”

She added that besides walking away with the title, she wants to eliminate the belief that beauty pageants are just about being “pretty”.

“Pageants are not about glamour and glitter. Contestants are tested on a variety of subjects as well as the role they are playing in their communities. To run an organisation, as well as for it to succeed, takes hard work, dedication and knowledge.

“You are not just a pretty face that smiles for the camera. I hope to one day start my own academy where I can empower and educate young people about pageants. Our Province has a high youth unemployment rate, we need to show and demonstrate to the youth that they can make business from their skills,” Louw said.