Pretoria – Miss Earth South Africa, Jessica Nel, has revealed her plans to promote South Africa’s heritage and the importance of its conservation at the upcoming international pageant in the Philippines.
The Miss Earth pageant returns to the Philippines this year, after staging the 2023 competition in Vietnam.
Jessica, the 25-year-old winner of Miss Earth South Africa, visited the Voortrekker Monument on Friday morning, (11 October 2024), where she revealed her plan to showcase her South African heritage.
“Being able to use your platform to make a difference is very special and being able to live your cultural heritage on top of that is an amazing feeling,” Jessica said.
Born in Centurion, Jessica practically grew up at the Voortrekker Monument.
When the time came to shoot promotional videos in preparation for the upcoming international pageant in the Philippines, she immediately knocked on the monument’s door.
“As part of the preparation for Miss Earth, the winners from each country are asked to take videos and photos in which they present themselves to the world,” explained Jessica.
“I just realised that I can’t introduce myself to the world without making my culture part of my videos, and where better to do that than here at the monument where I’ve been visiting with my family for so many years.”
The Miss Earth competition was presented for the 21st time in South Africa this year and has focused on sustainable development and environmental conservation since its inception.
“Miss Earth South Africa is very different from the typical beauty pageants,” said Jessica.
“One could describe it more as a leadership program and although it involves pageantry, the competition largely focuses on environmental projects.”
Participants in Miss Earth undertake various projects aimed at promoting environmental conservation and to date, 57 000 trees have been planted as part of this exceptional beauty contest.
As part of these projects, Jessica joined hands with the non-profit organisation “Place a Pup”, which rescues and rehabilitates pets from dire circumstances.
She also lives out her passion for environmental conservation with her own business, “Petal and Posy”, where women can rent dresses.
In this way, she also hopes to promote sustainability and ecological awareness in the fashion industry.
Jessica said Friday’s shoot allowed her to shine a light on the monument and she hopes that it also conveys a message about the importance of heritage conservation.
“My family and I have been coming to the monument regularly for years, I remember how my brothers and sister and I ran around the monument, and it is very important to me that I can raise some awareness here for heritage conservation, while I am busy with my Miss Earth projects,” said Jessica.
Commenting on Miss Earth SA’s commendable stance, the Voortrekker Monument management said: “Jessica Nel is a beautiful, smart, passionate and inspiring woman, with a heart for her community, environment, and culture.
“The Voortrekker Monument wishes her all the best when she represents her country next week in the Philippines against 114 women from around the world”.
The coronation of the new queen is scheduled for 9 November 2024 at Okada Manila in Parañaque City.
