Miss Teen SA ready to compete on global stage
PRETORIA-born and raised Megan van der Walt is expected to continue her reigning title as Miss SA Teen World on an international stage.
The 18-year-old will represent South Africa on Wednesday at the Miss Teen World in Ecuador, South America. With the support of her friend and family, Van der Walt said she was grateful and excited to be awarded this opportunity.
Van der Walt said her mother told her about the Miss SA Teen pageant, and she did not have second guesses about entering because she noticed the proceeds of the pageant would be donated to the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation.
“I always strive to make a difference, apart from the perfect princess stigma a beauty pageant is known for. I believe in supporting a good cause which will bring a change or assist (with) a need in someone’s life,” said Van der Walt.
Apart from the make-up and fancy dresses, Van der Walt told The Star about her difficulties in school. She said she was often bullied about the size of her body which affected her confidence. Despite this Van der Walt chose to have a positive mind and build her confidence on a foundation that she was good enough.
Van der Walt added that she managed to balance school and her pageant duties with tools such as time management and being organised.
“I try to have fun in between my duties but I always prioritise the most important things. My home school has been extremely helpful, and I have
a good space to work as well as great support from my family,” she said.
Van der Walt added that her career dream apart from modelling was to work for wildlife rehabilitation because she has had a huge obsession with creatures since she was little.
She said that she wanted to start her own wildlife rehabilitation agency at some stage.