SISTERHOOD OF SASS
Miss SA finalist in Bonang's gang
IN two weeks’ time, when Reabetswe Sechoaro goes up against 11 other beauties at the finals of the Miss South Africa pageant, one of the people cheering her on will be her half-sister, media personality Bonang Matheba.
Sechoaro and Matheba share their dad’s genes, revealed in similar dimples on their cheeks, which Sechoaro calls “daddy’s dimples”.
Like Matheba, Sechoaro, 22, was born in Mahikeng but was raised by her mother and is now based in Pretoria East.
Her older half-sister has given Sechoaro advice on dealing with the media glare. “She told me to stay firm and to never be swallowed up by people. She always tells me to remember where I come from and to know myself.”
Sechoaro’s style is influenced by Matheba. She describes it as sexy, feminine and sophisticated. “Since I was young I have always looked up to her.”
She said the finalists had to dress up every day because they were required to post pictures of themselves on social media daily. This year the contestants are relying on social media to rally support.
“A considerable effort has been made online because of how effective and predominant the online space has become,” said Claudia Henkel, PR manager at Sun International. “However, there is also a continued focus on traditional media as well.”
Former Miss South Africa Jo-Ann Strauss said the prominence of social media in the pageant was an interesting element, one that put “a lot of power” in contestants’ hands to get their own messages across. But it came with risks and could “consume one”.
“It’s important to make sure you have a message that you get across as opposed to gratuitous flaunting of beauty through selfies and clever filters.”
It’s been 22 years since media mogul Basetsana Kumalo won the pageant. She said she would not have known how to promote herself on social media as she had been entered by her mother and sister.
“Generally I’m a very shy person, but times have changed and social media plays a big role in our lives.”
Kumalo, who is a first-time judge in this year’s pageant, said she was looking for someone inspiring.
“Gone are the days of winning the crown for just 12 months. The girls need to use the platform to present themselves, to want to be somebody after this.”
This year the competition will be held at Carnival City as the venue for the past 15 years, Sun City, is being renovated.
Over the years, the pageant has undergone several incarnations, including a reality show, The Road to Miss South Africa. Henkel said this was introduced to grow the brand and make the pageant relevant to a younger generation.
Louis Fourie, an independent archivist for the competition, said it had come a long way. “Back in the day there was no official crowning ceremony or pageant. A winner was selected based on photos that the girls sent in through a newspaper advert,” he said.
Finalists and a winner were chosen by a panel of journalists.
Back in the day there was no crowning ceremony or pageant. A winner was selected based on photos the girls sent in