Oh, to be the grandest in the land

KNYSNA NEWS - Local beauty Angelique Fourie has her eyes set on the 2022 Miss Grand SA crown, having recently been announced as one of the 38 finalists in this year's competition.

Fourie was announced as a finalist on 18 February, when the competition announced its shortlist of the lucky ladies from around the country who will compete in the grand finale on 8 and 9 July.

The finalist selection was based on the initial applications. In the coming months finalists will take on various different social media challenges - there is also a public vote section, where candidates have to garner votes from supporters ahead of the finals.

"I am extremely excited to really get into working with the community, educating and making a difference where I can. I am looking forward to seeing what the journey will bring both for myself on a personal level and to the Garden Route," Fourie said.

"I am looking forward not only to the finale, although I take great pride in being able to take the stage. However, for me it is more about the journey leading up to it and learning more about myself, growing and getting more involved in my community."

Fourie, 25, grew up in Johannesburg and the Free State, attending Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys in Jo'burg before attending Goudveld Hoërskool in Welkom.

She relocated to Knysna from Johannesburg just under three years ago, chasing a career in digital marketing. She is, by her own admission, in no way a professional when it comes to modelling.

"I am not a professional model, nor do I belong to a modelling agency. I have previously done one pageant (in 2015, Miss Heritage South Africa)," she said.

So why did she decide to enter a pageant again? "I wanted to show young women like myself, and less fortunate, that you do not have to be a model in order to be part of something this big and to be able to make a difference."

During her campaign in the next few months, Fourie will be getting involved in several different communities to see where she can help raise awareness, make a difference and inspire.

"I have decided not to list these organisations as I am willing to go wherever I am needed to bring these benefits to them."

You can get involved with Fourie's Miss Grand SA campaign by contacting her via e-mail at fangelique3@gmail.com.

Angelique Fourie