Aiming for new crown to make a bigger impact

SHE IS already the Petite Teen Face of South Africa but now 16-year-old Kihara Visser has her sights set on a new crown.

The Kraaifontein teen will compete in the Miss and Mr Junior South Africa contest in Pretoria in June.

Contestants will model casual and evening wear.

However, before the event, one of the participants will be crowned Face of South Africa, which Kihara won in 2019.

Contestants are given a voting code for friends and family to vote for them.

Kihara, who trained at the Reana van Tonder Modelling School, said she was very happy to be chosen as a finalist for the event.

“I expect to have fun and show everyone who I am and what I can do to make a difference. With this title I can make a bigger impact than I am already making.

“When I think of Pageants SA I feel motivated, as I have been taking part in their competitions for seven years now. If you put your mind to something, anything is possible.

“Should I win my category (teen) at Miss and Mr Junior South Africa, I would use my title as a platform to inspire the youth. There are so many teenagers suffering from anxiety and depression. I would like to reach out

in to them and make them feel worthy,” she said.

Bullied in primary school, modelling has given the Brackenfell High School pupil a voice to speak up.

“Modelling has given me confidence and made me the person who I am today. I was very shy and always afraid to speak up. I love showing emotion on the ramp, as it is a way of expressing myself. It is like telling a story of who I am. “I have started a project called Little Angels of Hope where I collect baby toiletries and goods for premature babies. This year I have been busy with my Blessings for the Homeless project, where I help homeless people in any way possible.

“I am also involved in many other projects,” said Kihara, who has won numerous titles over the years including Miss Petite Teen Globe SA 2019, Petite Teen Face of South Africa 2019 and Miss Teen Western Province 2021.

Her mother Mariska said Kihara was determined, goal-driven, bubbly, kind, caring. She loved people and animals. “Being a pageant mom is all about supporting your child. It’s not all about winning, but to teach your child to be happy for others if you don’t win. It's about helping others and caring for those in need. Being proud of

your child for doing their best and not about how many crowns they have,” she said. To vote for Kihara SMS JT11 to 47087. Each vote costs R2.