However, the evening belonged to Ané Oosthuysen, an honours-degree student from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Vanderbijlpark. As the newly crowned Miss Vaal, this brunette alumna faces a busy year.
For Ané, who received her BA degree in psychology and sociology with honours earlier this year, 2019 is indeed a year of great things. Not only was she crowned as the most beautiful girl in the region, but she was also named as one of the top 40 finalists in the prestigious Sarie Cover Girl competition.
More than just a pretty face
“I know that everyone has an opinion about beauty pageants and that this opinion is not always very flattering,” says Ané. She says that these competitions have for a long time not been only about trim little figures and pretty faces. She says it requires hard work, sacrifice and a lot of perseverance.
In 2015 Ané decided to focus “seriously” on her modelling career and she joined Models Unlimited in Vanderbijlpark. Since then she has completed several courses and also become as a trainer of models.
When she was asked why she took part in the beauty pageant, Ané replied that this has been her dream for quite some time. She also wants to make a difference in the community, and her title will open many doors for her in this regard.
“I also took part two years ago and ended among the top eight. However, it was not the right time for me, and I knew then that I would try again in the future,” she said.
“I am passionate about my community, and I know that together we can make a huge difference. This is also my goal for the year – to take on as many community projects as possible and join hands with my Vanderbijlpark colleagues,” Ané said excitedly.
Something that is very dear to her is the upliftment of children, and she explained that as a student in psychology she realises what a huge impact positive role models have on the lives of young children. With this in mind she is mainly going to reach out to non-profit organisations.
Ané Oosthuysen Photo: Aldus Smith Photography
Ané during her graduation ceremony earlier this year. With her is her mother Annelise, her brother Westiaan and her father Dennis.
