North-West University (NWU) alumna Ané Oosthuysen is not only a beauty but also a true role model for young women.

Ané boasts three qualifications from the NWU and has made it into the 2021 Miss South Africa Top 30.

“It is an absolute honour to be part of the Top 30. Since I can remember, I have always dreamt of being Miss South Africa. I am so glad that I took the leap of faith to enter this year,” she says.

Ané adds that she has always enjoyed watching pageants, and followed the Miss South Africa pageant in particular.

However, it was only at a later stage in her life that she gathered enough courage to go on this journey herself. In 2019 she was crowned Miss Vaal, an annual contest on the NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus.

“Miss South Africa is so much more than just about having a pretty face and walking on a stage. It is a platform you can use to empower others and be an advocate for important matters,” says Ané.

Passionate about the youth, most vulnerable and education

Born and raised in Vereeniging, Ané obtained her BA degree in psychology and sociology in 2018, her honours degree in psychology in 2019, and her honours degree in medical sociology in 2020.

As she strives towards her dream of becoming an educational psychologist, Ané currently works as an assistant teacher at a primary school and is also studying towards a postgraduate certificate in education.

“I have a huge passion for children and those most vulnerable in society. I really do believe that our youth is the future of our country, and it is important to protect, educate and empower them to create the future leaders that this country deserves.”

Ané’s message to all young women is that they need to remember that they are enough.

“So often women are made to believe that they have to look or act in a certain way. I want to encourage the young women out there to be proud of who they are and to use their voices to speak up about issues that they value.

“By embracing your calling and refusing to hide your glow, you will not only make your own world brighter, but you will also light the way for the women who follow in your footsteps.”

To help Ané reach the Top 10, the NWU family can vote for her at their nearest Computicket, or on the Miss South Africa website. 

Ané’s voting number is 2. Voting lines close at midnight on 21 July 2021.