Twenty three-year-old Liesl Laurie has been the talk of the country in the past month, not because she’s from Eldorado Park, but because she was crowned Miss South Africa 2015. She chats to us about her new work.
How has your experience as Miss South Africa been so far?
It has been crazy, filled with late nights and early mornings. But I have found it all very exciting – it has been an honour to have this title.
What does being Miss South Africa really entail; is it about rocking glamorous dresses and attending events?
Not at all! To me, it is about being an inspiration and a symbol of hope. Through me, I hope that other South Africans can see themselves. I, like many of them, have been through trials, and I’m proof that you can make it anywhere in life.
Had you always known that you would someday be a Miss South Africa?
When I was younger, I would watch the pageant ceremonies on television and dream of someday being on that stage. I have participated in local pageants and used my experience in them to prepare myself for this one. I had always wanted to be on a platform that helps me help others, with the sponsorships and partnerships I have I want to help others. 
This is already a huge accomplishment; do you have any other goals set for the next two years?
From the time I entered the pageant, I had a goal. I wanted to leave a legacy and be able to help others. I had been looking forward to working with different organisations. I am also looking forward to taking part in Miss World and Miss Universe.
Do you feel any pressure to be as good as the former Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss, who was later crowned Miss World?
It isn’t so much the pressure, but rather inspiration. If she pulled it off, then I too can do it. I am fortunate to have her be there for me, and help.
You graduated last year, and worked as a volunteer in accounting firms. Do you think you will continue with your work as an accountant?
After completing my degree, I wasn’t ready for the corporate world, so I worked as a volunteer with the hopes of learning. I would encourage the youth to do the same. Find a company that relates to your studies and the work you want to do, volunteer and get experience of the working industry. Despite my experience and academic achievements, I don’t think I would further my studies in accounting. The only reason I did accounting was because I came from a small town that believed this would get me a good-paying job. I had always been interested in the creative industry. I would like to work for a magazine, or in radio, and will in future be doing studies in relation to this. Perhaps my degree will come in my favour when I someday have my own business. 
Do you have any regrets about your life?
Not any big regrets, except that when I was in my early teens I wish I never doubted myself. I wish I knew that everything would eventually be okay.
One of the reasons young people have doubts is because they lack confidence, and are uncertain about their image. What is your take on this?
I have learned over the years that image is about the person’s level of care for themselves; if you look good, you appear to be someone that cares about their wellbeing. This could also be good in boosting your confidence. It is important to know who you are, know how to take care of yourself and to acquire the right information, and be knowledgeable about your surroundings.
What do you do to unwind from your daily duties, and busy schedules?
I hang out with my family; we spend our time together playing board games. But if I am not with them, I enjoy being alone for few hours with my thoughts, just daydreaming, or sitting in complete silent. 
What do you do for fun?
If I am not with my family, I’m with close friends, and occasionally enjoy adventures activities such as zip lining.
You are very family orientated, do you see yourself married with kids someday?
Yes I do. I would like to get married and would prefer to have twin girls. I just love the idea of dressing them and doing all the fun girly things with them. However, I would be grateful for whatever God gives me.
You have a younger sister, and you wish to have daughters – would you ever want them to enter the Miss South Africa pageant?
Every girl should get the chance to be a Miss South Africa contestant – that is if the judges would take all the applicants. The process has been really educational. You learn about yourself, your grown mentally and become mindful of everything and everyone around you.
