Daddy’s little beauty scores big

ER father loves local soccer and she loves pageantry, so when Lisanne Lazarus walked away with the title of First Princess at the Miss Mamelodi Sundowns 2017, they were both in their element.

Lazarus, 21, a final-year journalism student, described being awarded the title as an honour.

“It’s the second-biggest to Miss SA pageant in South Africa, so it was a real honour to be placed in the top three,” she said, adding that she intends pursuing a career in broadcast journalism.

But besides having a face perfect for television, her love for journalism stems from her passion for being a voice for the voiceless.

About her decision to enter the Miss Mamelodi Sundowns, Lazarus said her father Gordon was a huge fan.

“It was one time we could combine our hobbies. My dad encouraged me to enter and supported me all the way.”

Lazarus entered via an online application, supported by video footage of why she wanted to enter, and was selected with 50 other girls from KZN for the preliminary round.

Only two contestants from KZN made it to the final round, with 18 girls from nine provinces vying for the title.

Lazarus said the pageant was very exciting and a learning curve.

“We had many workshops and interviews before the final day.”

Apart from the title, Lazarus has also walked away with a R150 000 cash prize and said it still had to sink in.

“I have no idea what I am going to be doing with the money. When selected as a semifinalist I received R60 000, which I used to pay off my tuition fees.”

In addition to studying, Lazarus also has a non-profit organisation called Lindo Kuhle Crèche, situated in an informal settlement.

“It’s a passion,” she said. “One of my hobbies is being productive and surrounding myself with like-minded people.”

Having won Miss eThekwini, Miss DUT, and first princess for Miss uShaka and Miss SA Campus, and being the brand ambassador for Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Lazarus said her next big step is to enter Miss South Africa.

Being only 1.68m tall, she is proof that anyone can reach for the stars.

First Princess ... Lisanne Lazarus, above, and with her dad Gordon, right. Below: She enjoys spending time with the children at her non-profit organisation, Lindo Kuhle Crèche.