Miss South Africa: 2009 Finalists

Nicole Flint

Nicole, 21, is a Public Relations Coordinator for Just Plain Media and performs on air duties as "The Young Apprentice" on Jacaranda 94.2's Breakfast Show. Many people have had an influential impact on her life, but she singled out her grandmother as the most inspirational because she always fought for unconditional rights for all people. Her greatest accomplishment to date has been to get the award for top Radio and TV student at Damelin, helping her to enter commercial radio and map out an opportunity for realising her dreams.

Lebogang Keagile

Lebogang, 21, is a cabin crew member for South African Express Airways, a part-time model, owner of promotions company, The Dark Angelz, and is doing a BComm Marketing degree at UNISA. "If I was to win I would support Sun International's charities and also organisations involved in environmental affairs. I want to win because this is the pinnacle of all that I've been striving for in my life - nothing is better than winning the Miss South Africa title."

Carol Makhathini

Carol, 22, owns her own Events and Promotions business, Le Cherie Production, is a part-time model and will be completing her BBA degree through UNISA in the near future. If she was to win Miss SA she would promote the beauty and diversity of South Africa, particularly during the 2010 World Cup Soccer. "I am passionate about my country and would love the opportunity to be an ambassador of South Africa both locally and internationally. I would be honoured to be a role model for young women and to make a positive contribution to the causes Miss South Africa represents."

Karlien Seegers

Karlien, 25, is a freelance stylist, international model and co-owner and managing partner of Annie's Daylight Studios in Cape Town and is also involved in her family business, Annie's Wardrobe. If she was to become Miss SA, Karlien wants to focus on children and contribute something positive. "The stature that comes with the Miss SA crown provides an opportunity to work in charity related fields and I would use this advantage to the fullest extent."

Joanne Cronje

Joanne, 23, is currently studying a Masters degree in Financial Economics and Investment Management. She would ultimately like to own her own company one day, empowering and financially enabling the poor. "If I had to win Miss SA, I would want to get involved in as much charity work as possible. Winning Miss SA would allow me to set a year of my life aside to help, inspire and bring joy to the lives of as many people as possible. This would allow me to live out one of my strongest passions – my passion for people. I would also like to mentor and assist young ladies in dealing with typical issues that young women face on a daily basis, such as low self esteem and peer pressure."

Evette Wessels

Evette, 22, is a Journalism student at the University of Pretoria. She is inspired by today's younger generation and would like to empower young people and be the change the world wants to see. "I want to win Miss SA so that I can actively campaign for HIV/AIDS. The whole world's eyes will be upon South Africa in 2010 and that gives me as Miss SA the opportunity to make an even bigger impact and to help promote the plight of HIV/AIDS sufferers."

Lisa Mareë Van Zyl

Lisa, 23, is a professional model currently studying Finance and Investments at the University of the Western Cape to obtain her Bcomm Honours degree. If she was to win she would use the Miss SA title to highlight socio economic situations. "I would like to win Miss South Africa to be given the opportunity to represent South Africa, Sun International and the sponsors on an international and local front. I would like to be part of the dynamic change occurring within South Africa and make a valuable contribution to society."

Matapa Maila

Matapa, 24, has completed her post graduate honours in Logistics with UNISA and is the Lead Logistics advisor for Sasol Oil in Johannesburg. "As 2010 is a very important year for South Africa, my plans if I were to become Miss SA would be to use the platform provided by the 2010 World Cup to reach out to the world, to champion causes that promote and develop sport in communities and to head charities that are close to my heart like POWA, Tapologo, and Smiley Kids. I plan to raise funds by participating in The Argus Cycle race and also The Comrades."

Melody Zulu

Melody, 24, is a full time model who would like to own her own modelling agency and be a motivational speaker. If she was to win Miss SA she would like to manage projects that encourage and instil spiritual values in young women. Melody believes that each day is a second chance to become a blessing to other people. "To win the coveted Miss SA crown feels like the next logical step for me. I want to make a difference in every way I can."

Michelle Bruno

Michelle, 24, is an Education student who plans to further her studies in the field of Educational Psychology. If she was to become Miss SA, she would use the title as a platform to promote the development of education. "I know that if I win Miss South Africa there will be many duties that I will have to focus on, however, winning a competition of this calibre would give me the opportunity to make the most of my modelling career. I also have a passion for what I have studied and I really think that there needs to be more focus on education in this country."

Malhatse Sharon Mkhawana

Mahlatse, 20, is an IMM student at the University of Johannesburg. She is inspired by people who come from impoverished backgrounds but succeed despite the odds. "I'm a young and proudly South African lady - passionate, determined and self-driven with an electric soul that thrives on seeing change. If I was to win I would be a role model and ambassador for South Africa, and work closely with charity organisations focusing on orphans and NGOs. Ideally, one of my long term goals is to be chosen as an ambassador for the youth by the United Nations."

Taki Simeli

Taki, 22, is a BA Communications and English student. If she wins Miss SA, Taki aims to take the Miss SA brand to rural parts of the country and work closely with local officials to develop recreational youth facilities. "I want to win Miss SA so that I can have the same positive influence on young women, as Peggy-Sue Khumalo had on me as an 11 year old girl dealing with self identity issues."