What began as a childhood passion for helping others has evolved into a comprehensive community outreach programme, as Miss Uitenhage Community Plus-Size Queen Natasha Van Antwerpen continues to make waves as a top 25 finalist for the prestigious EMPOWERAFRIC Women’s title.
Van Antwerpen, a registered NPO community worker, has dedicated her life to supporting the most vulnerable members of society, from street people to cancer patients, proving that true beauty lies in service to others.
“From a young age, I discovered my passion for making a difference in other people’s lives, particularly among children and elderly people in our community,” Van Antwerpen told UD Express. “Wherever I spotted a need, I would step in to help. As the years passed and I matured into adulthood, my capacity to offer meaningful assistance to those in need naturally expanded.”
Her journey to the Miss Uitenhage Community crown wasn’t driven by personal ambition but by a deeper purpose rooted in tragedy and hope.
“My decision to enter Miss Uitenhage Community stemmed from the event’s charitable focus on cancer awareness – a cause exceptionally close to my heart, having lost many loved ones to this devastating disease,” she explained. “I wanted to support this vital initiative whilst demonstrating that beauty transcends all sizes and that we are all beautiful, both inside and outside.”
Van Antwerpen’s community work spans an impressive range of initiatives, from feeding programmes for street people to supporting families in crisis. Her projects include providing employment opportunities, offering complimentary hair makeovers to boost women’s confidence, and regularly distributing clothing, toys, food and toiletries to those most in need.
Among her most touching initiatives is her support for a 9-year-old entrepreneur who sells oranges and naartjies after school to help his family meet their daily household expenses.
“I actively take orders on his behalf,” Van Antwerpen shared, demonstrating her hands-on approach to community support.
Currently, she’s spearheading an ambitious sanitary pad drive as part of her EMPOWERAFRIC Women’s journey, working to collect essential hygiene products for cancer patients and women in need.
“Whilst the financial challenges are real – these initiatives require funding – I’m actively seeking sponsors and placing my unwavering trust in God, as He consistently provides,” she said.
Being recognised as a top 25 finalist for EMPOWERAFRIC Women’s represents more than personal achievement for Van Antwerpen.
“Being recognised in this way represents such an honour for me. I’ve never sought the spotlight for my community work, but knowing that people see the dedication, effort and love I pour into serving my community means everything,” she reflected. “I don’t typically seek recognition for what I do – after all, when you constantly talk about doing good, it suggests you’re doing nothing at all. However, this recognition truly moved me because being acknowledged for the genuine care I have for my people carries profound significance.”
For Van Antwerpen, the potential of winning the EMPOWERAFRIC Women’s title extends far beyond personal glory.
Winning this title would be both an honour and a source of immense pride for Kariega.
Looking ahead, Van Antwerpen has ambitious plans to expand her community impact.
“I would establish more training opportunities for women seeking employment in the hair and beauty industry, alongside setting up a community kitchen to provide daily meals for those in need,” she outlined.
Her philosophy remains grounded in the belief that meaningful change doesn’t always require substantial resources. “As I always say: if you can dream it, you can live it. Giving back doesn’t always require money or material possessions – sometimes showing love and dedicating time to someone in need can transform their entire life, providing the encouragement they desperately need.”
Van Antwerpen’s approach to community leadership is refreshingly authentic.
“Understanding your worth and recognising how many people look up to you makes the responsibility clearer. I must be the voice for my community, encouraging and motivating them, which drives me to evolve continuously into a better version of myself for the next person.”
As she continues her journey as a top 25 EMPOWERAFRIC Women’s finalist, Van Antwerpen remains focused on her ultimate goal: creating lasting positive change in Kariega and beyond.
“Whilst it’s a privilege to hold the title of Miss Uitenhage Plus-Size Queen, the honour isn’t about the crown itself – it’s about the heart I have for my community,” she concluded.
For those interested in supporting Van Antwerpen’s community initiatives or her sanitary pad drive, contact her on 066 402 1983.
