Among the Top 30 contenders for the coveted Miss South Africa 2024 title is Kaylan Zeelie, a 21-year-old originally from Kariega.
Now residing in Bloemfontein, she is in her final year of studying for an LLB at the University of the Free State, with ambitions of becoming an advocate.
Zeelie embodies the principles of kindness, empathy, and active listening, driven by a determination and loyalty that guide her actions. “Witnessing others thrive brings me immense joy,” she said.
Zeelie’s decision to enter the Miss South Africa pageant stems from a blend of personal growth and a deep-seated commitment to advocacy and education. “My journey to this moment has been marked by resilience and a profound appreciation for the transformative power of education,” she explained. Inspired by Natasha Joubert’s (current Miss South Africa title holder) emphasis on education, Zeelie is determined to use her platform to promote equitable access to education, recognising the privilege she has been afforded and the responsibilities that come with it.
For Zeelie, the essence of Miss South Africa lies in its potential to drive significant societal change. “This esteemed platform affords an opportunity to amplify voices that may otherwise go unheard,” she asserts, underlining the importance of advocating for marginalised individuals and fostering national unity.
When asked about the qualities essential for making a notable difference, Zeelie emphasised empathy, integrity, kindness, and unwavering determination. She believes these attributes, coupled with resilience and a commitment to inclusivity and social justice, equip women to navigate complex challenges and inspire positive change globally.
Zeelie credits her mother, Shemeema Zeelie, a debt collector in Jeffrey’s Bay, for instilling ambition and self-assurance in her. Her father, Nico Zeelie, works as a contractor in Mongolia and, despite his limited presence, has made efforts to support her.
She also shares close bonds with her step siblings.
In her community, Zeelie is deeply involved with Engo Bloemfontein, an orphanage where she has contributed to fundraising efforts for children’s education. She also supports the Cupcakes of Hope Foundation, driven by compassion for children battling cancer.
Zeelie cherishes the rich cultural diversity of South Africa, viewing it as a testament to the nation’s resilience and unity. “The myriad traditions, languages, and customs within our borders enrich our social tapestry,” she said, expressing pride in the cultural mosaic that defines the country.
Financial constraints once threatened Zeelie’s pursuit of higher education, but her resilience saw her secure a bursary through hard work and determination. She defines success as a journey marked by perseverance and continual growth, underscoring the importance of learning from setbacks.
Zeelie describes herself as someone who avoids cardio, prefers action movies, and loves rugby. Allergic to cats and not a fan of the colour pink, she finds strength in her kind heart and dedication to helping others. Her inclination towards self-criticism and overthinking is something she would like to change.
She identifies unemployment as a major issue facing young people today and looks up to role models like Natasha Joubert and Oprah Winfrey for their contributions to education and empowerment. Given the chance, she would have loved to have lunch with Marilyn Monroe, captivated by her legacy.
To young girls and women in South Africa, Zeelie offers a message of empowerment: “Never allow others to dictate the magnitude of your aspirations or let societal pressures diminish your worth. Uphold honesty, amiability, and compassion while pursuing your dreams with unwavering dedication.”
Viewers will get to meet the finalists in Crown Chasers, a reality TV show which introduces South African viewers to those vying to take the crown from the current incumbent Natasha Joubert. The six-part series starts on SABC3 on June 29, 2024, at 20:30.
