Eagle
Johannesburg – On Saturday the 1st of May, Robyn Mckeddow, a 20 year old model from Ennerdale was crowned Empress South Africa 2021. This prestigious event took place at The Barnyard Theatre in Menyln Park.
The delegates modelled three outfits namely traditional wear, swimwear and evening wear in an elaborate fashion extravaganza.
Empress South Africa is the largest online beauty contest in the world, with over 45 000 applicants and hundreds of contestants. There are three levels that contestants navigate through, namely contestant level, semi-finalist and finalist levels. Each level is designed to empower women and encourage them to be independent.
The national beauty with brains and purpose contest showcased 44 contestants. Thereafter top 16, then top 5 where systematically selected until the winner was crowned. The judges where Estaschia Cossadianos, an international model, creative director and author, Dimpho Maphoto, Miss Entrepreneur South Africa 2019 and Jamey-Leigh Stellenberg, Empress South Africa 2019 Top 5 were Robyn Mckeddow, Kelebogile Bokaba, Zamokuhle Dlamini, Ammarah Ismail and Katlego Matjila.
The contest also featured four different titles. Miss Public Choice SA went to Mpumelelo Ayanda Mtsweni.
Miss Personality SA went to Phuluso Nemahungani, Miss Photogenic SA went to Katlego Matjila and Miss Entrepreneur SA went to Sphesihle Zulu.
Robyn walks away with a large undisclosed cash prize as well as many other prizes, brand building and recognition. She will promote her campaign #iwillnotsurrender, throughout her reign.
Interview with Robyn Mckeddow:
What is your # campaign about?
1. My Hashtag Campaign : #iwillnotsurrender speaks to the injustices women and children are subjected to everyday. My aim is to continue raising awareness about these heinous crimes aswell as to educate and empower people on how best to fight back & triumph over this vile atrocity. We need to unite and take a stand – together we can make a difference! Let us take stand against Gender Based Violence.
2. What do you plan to do for your reign year?
I have a deep desire to give back to the community and the underprivileged.It is only by being the change, that we wish to see; that we can make a meaningful impact through uplifting and being a blessing to those less fortunate, who in turn, could further be a blessing to others.
3. What are your passions, aspirations and hobbies?
I love reading, I tend to get lost or caught up in the pages. I’m passionate about becoming the best version of myself and empowering women. The worst feeling in the world is feeling worthless or not good enough, I want to boost and reassure women that no matter what shape or size you are, you are perfect just the way you are. There are no limits or boundaries to becoming your absolute best.
