CLOSE friends, Tiffany Maclean (21) and Shannon Brits (17) from Humansdorp, who have supported each other in previous pageants, are both in the finals of the International Junior Miss South Africa.
When Maclean from Gill Marcus Village, was 16 years old, she began her pageantry career.
In August, Maclean was selected to be a finalist in the international competition, which will be held in Durban in October 2021.
“The said pageant gives contestants international exposure, while a scholarship section aids the young women to study. Only a few girls from the Eastern Cape were selected for the finals, which is a rare honour,” she says.
Maclean (participating in the 18 to 24 age category) is proud that she can pave a way for others, like herself, who grew up in a disadvantaged community.
“Participating and ultimately winning can inspire those youngsters to believe that nothing is impossible.”
“If a shy girl from Gill Marcus can make it big and accomplish what she desires, it will encourage them to pursue their dreams. If I can do it, so can they.”
Maclean’s future plans include studying social work, to continue her modelling career and feature in national magazines.
Friends
Maclean and Brits have been friends for six years, participating alongside each other in various competitions.
It is always good to have your support system, like a friend, who knows the pressure of being a contestant in pageants,” remarks Maclean.
Brits from Johnson’s Ridge, started modelling at the age of five, but halted for a few years.
When she was 13 years old, Brits entered her first pageant and has been active in this business ever since.
“I have always loved walking in high heels. When my mother noticed my interest in modelling, she registered me for the first competition.”
A Grade 11 pupil at Humansdorp Secondary School, Brits was overjoyed when she saw on the international pageant’s Facebook page that she was listed as a finalist.
“I am privileged and blessed to be a finalist, as I will represent the Kouga area and the Eastern Cape.”
Brits (participating in the 16- to 18-year category) is excited that the pageant will give her the visibility and an opportunity to make a difference in her community, which is plagued by poverty, drug abuse, alcohol abuse and unemployment.
Brits says, “In the future, I would like to team up with enterprises whichcan sponsor students in need. Another step is to provide presentations with the police to encourage my peers to abstain from drugs.”
“I know it will not be easy, but that is where I will start.”
She says of friend Maclean, “She has been an inspiration and my pageant sister. It means a lot to me to embark on this journey with her.”
To vote for Tiffany Maclean and Shannon Brits for the Public Choice Award, click the “like” button on their individual pictures on the International Junior Miss South Africa Facebook page.
