PMB’s legal eagle makes Miss SA top 30
For Pietermaritzburg beauty Alyssa Smith (24), making the top 30 for the national Miss SA pageant is another step in her journey towards pursuing purpose.
"I want to dedicate my life to doing something meaningful. [The pageant] will allow me to represent the wealth of diversity our country holds with integrity and honour," she said.
Smith said she is ready to bring about meaningful change in areas where the country needs it most.
"I believe we need to have, and encourage, empathy; we need to show and teach compassion and we need to inspire ambition that builds not only ourselves but those around us, our communities and our nation in order for us to embrace what it means to be truly South African," said Smith.
Now working as a corporate lawyer, specialising in private equity fund formation, Smith graduated with a LLB law degree summa cum laude from the University of the Free State.
Being raised by her mother, grandmother and grandmother's sister, she hopes to make them proud as she carries them through her journey.
"I grew up in a household with three strong women who raised me to become the woman I am today. They have been such a blessing in my life and have taught me, through their actions, what it means for women to stick together, care for one another and uplift each other," said Smith.
Smith said she is contributing toward the community and country in her professional capacity.
"In my professional capacity as a lawyer, and also volunteering my time to various initiatives, I lend my voice to advocate for some of the causes I am passionate about," said Smith.
Smith also loves the way people unite and embrace their diversity in South Africa. "As I take to the Miss South Africa stage, I am representing the little girls from across the road, neighbours and friends that became family, women of colour, as well as the elders of my community," said Smith.
Her biggest fear is to reach the end of her life and not have lived out her purpose. This fear has helped her to pursue her dreams.
"It has taught me resilience of mind and spirit and propelled me to fearlessly chase the desires of my heart," she said.
Smith can be followed on the following social media platforms.
Facebook: @ AlyssaJoanSmith
Instagram: @ AlyssaJoanSmith
Twitter: @ AlyssaJoanSmith
TikTok: @ AlyssaJoanSmith