20 years old Mikaela Oosthuizen is a second year BA Media Communications and Culture student, hailing from Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. Her idea behind joining the Miss South Africa 2016 pageant was to increase her sphere from regional to national to global pageants.

“This title provides a platform to advance the importance of education to all South Africans. I believe it is time for a younger Miss SA to step forward and take the reign as the issues challenging this country are manifesting at an increasingly younger age level”, says Mikaela Oosthuizen.

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Peggy Sue Khumalo is her favourite Miss South Africa winner till date. According to her, Peggy has proved that no matter how young you are, or what your circumstances (she grew up helping her domestic worker mother) you can achieve success. Mikaela also appreciates how Peggy managed to place herself in the corporate world after completing her reign.

The beauty aspirant is highly inspired by the South African beauty Rolene Strauss. “Not just because of what she accomplished, but for the way in which she has carried herself throughout the journey. Her humility and sincerity made her stand out and was inspiring”, says Mikaela, speaking about Rolene.  

Mikaela is a strong independent woman who is constantly involved in different projects to gain new experiences. Hence, the little bit of spare time Mikaela gets, she spends it sleeping and cutting herself off from the rest of the world.

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“You cannot act like cheap flip-flops and expect to be treated like expensive Louis Vuitton. Value yourself, educate yourself and don’t let anyone treat you in a way that diminishes you”, Mikaela’s message to young girls and beauty pageant aspirants.

Can Mikaela be the next Miss South Africa? Share your opinions in the comment section below...