Miss Earth South Africa

MISS EARTH IN THE SUN 

Wetlands, Sun, Invasive Trees, Rubbish, Children and Green Teams were the order of the day at Sun City last week. Miss Earth Runner up Kim Senogles travelled through to join Sun City Vacation Club’s Green Team as they cleaned their local wetland. A water expert educated the volunteers on invasive trees, water usage and wetlands in general. Over 100 refuse bags of rubbish were collected in and around the local wetland. All the rubbish was further separated for recycling. Thank you to the Green Team of the Vacation Club, Isabel and her team for involving us in this Fun filled Clean Up. Green KissesElla Bella     B.Ed, MA (wits)Project Co Ordinator and Educational OfficerMiss Earth South Africa

INTERVIEWS - KZN - 24th FEBRUARY

INTERVIEWS - CPT - 26th FEBRUARY

INTERVIEWS - JHB & PTA - 28th FEBRUARY, EMPERORS PALACE, CONVENTION CENTRE.

The semi finalists have been selected and will be announced on Monday, the participants have a full week of activities scheduled. High fashion glamour shoots and cocktail parties, factory tours, workshops and hands on planting activities. these young ladies certainly have there work cut out for them. Semi Finalists pictures will be posted at the end of the week.

Below are pictures of the Quarter rounds that took place at Emperors Palace Convention Centre.

 ******watch this space for pictures******

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Update on “Miss Earth South Africa in association with Consol” 

A Press and Media farewell was hosted for Matapa on the 14^th October. Her evening gown by Werner Dey Couture was showcased, as was her stunning National Costume, designed by Colette Designer Garments. The press were awesome and did great pictures, and write ups, which were followed by requests for magazine photo shoots and radio interviews. Emperors Palace hosted several photo shoots in their beautiful gardens.  

Her farewell was hosted by the Anglo Gold Conference Facility at the Johannesburg Zoo. This venue has recently received a four star rating from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. What led to great excitement was the lions, who watched as Matapa posed for her shoot. Really fun. 

Our gorgeous looking Matapa arrived at Oliver Tambo, on Sunday 19^th October; with literally hundreds of bags in tow. Her luggage was provided compliments of Consol. (Our winners have always challenged us with luggage, bags and baggage weight allowed.) Her wardrobe includes garments from Gerrit Pienaar, Danielle Naude, Lissa Leandro and Colette Palin.Matapa looked glamorous and a little nervous. Which is understandable as this was her first international flight and all. Family and friends were there to wish her well.

 After a 20 hour flight, she arrived in Manila, feeling tired but excited and enthusiastic, and looking absolutely great. After 5 days, the exhaustion, from both her flight and hectic scheduled, has begun to set in. The International schedule is designed to keep them up till after 12 midnight and then they need to be up by 5am and ready to go. The contestants still have to bath, do hair, and make up, all girl things, so it gets quite hectic.  

Matapa, has by now discovered that she hates the food, and we don’t want her to lose weight. We find that the girls either put on weight, or lose weight, so in 2 weeks when judging starts they have changed personality; because they look different. Talk about ‘shape shifting’. However we are working hard to try and keep her focused, and she is making an excellent effort. It’s kinda like an endurance test. The countries are grouped for activities. South Africa is in the same group as Jamaica, Venezuela and the USA .

They have visited Palawan, an awesome Filipino island, and are on their way to the second island.

Please write your messages for Matapa directly onto the blog site:  http://missearthsa.blat.co.za

www.missearthsa.co.za

Ella Bella shows Rocky how to fly……..

This past weekend, Miss Earth South Africa Winners Kim Senogles and Denise Schoeman were in the Cape Town region spreading their green wings around Brackenfell, Table View and Simonstown. Feeding African Penguins and Cormorants at the SANCCOB rehabilitation centre in Table View was how this eventful trip started. A lot of time was spent with Rocky who is the Educational Penguin at SANCCOB. It is here that young children come to learn about the importance of these birds and the preservation of sea life.  

With a rainy start to the weekend, the Earth Team started at Brooklands Primary where Grade One, Two and Three learners engaged in an Educational Programme with a green nature. They planted Hadeco Gladiolus bulbs in Consol jars and planted four trees in the school grounds. The principal of Brooklands, Mrs. Links employed the young children to get involved in more planting and GREEN behavior at school and at home.

Imperial Toyota then sponsored groceries for the next school, Paarl School for Neurologically Handicapped Children in Brackenfell. It was here that Torique Anter, a learner at Paarl School helped the beautiful Denise and Kim, to plant trees in his playground area.

Kim Senogles and Ella Bella travelled through to Simonstown for the SANCCOB (South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) Benefit Evening.  Auctions, celebrities, entertainment and great food were the order of events. The Penguin Festival continued through to the next day, where face painting, balloon popping, tours around Boulders Beach Visitors’ Centre and penguin cake making took over the beach side with children and adults enjoying the day which was dedicated to the African Penguins. Thank you to Venessa, Carole, Karen and all the penguins for having us with you on this special weekend. 

Imperial Toyota have gone GREEN in a Big way and the residents of BRACKENFELL are witness to this…Thank you to all at Imperial Toyota Brackenfell,  

Green Kisses  Ella Bella

(B.Ed, MA) Project Coordinator & Educational Officer,  Miss Earth South Africa.

Miss Earth South Africa celebrates Arbor week at Bergvliet Primary school in Cape Town. Miss Earth South Africa Air, Kim Senogles planted a tree with each grade at Bergvliet Primary. Meredith Main from Bergvliet organised for the “Miss Earth South Africa in association with Consol” to join her school during their assembly where Kim did a Green Presentation. Eight ceremonial trees were planted, which were donated by KULULA AIR.  Green KissesElla Bella (B.Ed, MA) Project Coordinator and Educational Officer Miss Earth South Africa

  Mr Kevin Nasiep, CEO of SANERI, Planting with Kim Senogles and Terry Pheto.

     The girls show Sbu how it’s done.
Popular Yfm DJ, with Terry Pheto, Face of Loreal and Catherine Constantinides, National Director of Miss Earth South Africa.

  Carmel Fisher, our favourite actress from Generations, brought new meaning to green and glam…….                           

   Shaun V and Collette Dawson, they were there for the first planting of 10 trees, and today they were there doing there bit for 1000 trees.

Ekurhuleni representatives, Kim Senogles and Ornella Zaurrini, teamed up for the planting.

George Mazarakis, Director of Carte Blanche, got down and dirty and planted with Miss Earth South Africa Finalists.

In Celebration of International Day of Peace, “Miss Earth South Africa in association with Consol” in a partnership with Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, planted 1000 trees throughout Wattville, an informal settlement in Benoni, as part of International Day of Peace. Many friends joined in at the Wattville Youth Centre and here George Mazarakis, Director and Executive Producer, Carte Blanche and Miss Earth Runner-ups, plant a tree. 

Barry Bredenkamp and Kim preparing for their tree.

   Miss Earth 2008, Matapa Maila, and Ekurhuleni Acting Executive Mayor, Gregory Malebo, planted a ceremonial tree at the Wattville Youth Centre. 

   Bianca Le Grange, sows her magic with the learners.

 EKURHULENI EXECUTIVE MAYOR AND EARTH BEAUTIES TO EMBARK ON A MASS TREE CAMPAIGN TO GREEN WATTVILLE TOWNSHIP  Thursday, September 18th,  saw an exceptional greening initiative taking place in commemoration of International Day of Peace. Continuing with the partnership between the Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Clr Lentheng Mekgwe and the ’Miss Earth South Africa in association with Consol’.  The planting of symbolic tree’s took place, this is the first event that forms part of the global International Day of Peace programme that will culminate internationally on the 22nd of September. Last year this programme was luanched at Sijabulile Secondary School with 1 200 learners in Ekurhuleni, and was then rolled out throughout the Katlehong region.  Catherine Constantinides, National Director for Miss Earth South Africa, started this initiative in South Africa, 3 years ago when only 10 tree’s, which were planted at DD Dliwayo Primary School in Soweto, something excting was established, in the 2nd year 100 tree’s were planted and this year the organisation has set an exciting feat of 1000 trees being planted for the 2008 campaign. The planting within Wattville of the 1000 trees begun a week back, with approximately 100 trees being planted today, the 18th,  and the global participants ending off the project on the 22nd of September at midday. By which time over 120 000 tree’s will have been planted at schools by Miss Earth winners around the globe.  This event has become a world wide success. With this years global target being 1000 schools in 120 countries around the world. Tree planting is important for us, firstly, it reminds us of nature and the importance of environmental protection. Secondly, it is a symbol of the importance of international co-operation.  As this day is also known as the International Day for Peace we want to spread the message of tolerance and peace by symbolically planting trees for the communities, pupils of the schools and corporate partners that we have identified. This initiative started in Finalnd by ENO, Environment Online.  This campaign is connected to the Billion Tree Campaign which is driven by the United Nations Environment Programme.  During 2007 the aim was to make a sustainable difference within South Africa and specifically schools in Katlehong. This goal was achieved and it has seen several sustainable projects emerge from this event. This year the inclusion of Grade 1 pupils from Lesabe Primary School will join in the festivities of the day. The Ekurhuleni Metro Parks Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni in proud association and support of  the Miss Earth South Africa, will this year green the township of Wattville. Last year saw the Miss Earth South Africa organisation scoop the ’Beauty with a Cause’ award from the Vietnameese Government for their extensive environmental work done within  townships, urban areas and rural homelands. The Miss Earth South Africa organisation have now set an outstanding goal to be achieved in 2009, as they lead the international arena with the work done by this establishment. Click here to read more.. »

CONSOL sponsors computers for Cape schools

Miss Earth South Africa, Runner up, Kim Senogles, and finalist Ornella Zaurrini, assisted in the distribution of computers to schools.

It was here that they shed a little sunshine, a little green and a lot of prizes. Consol’s School Recycling Competition saw schools in Cape Town winning computers, from Gugulethu to Woodstock to Somerset West. Consol gave out 12 computers to the winning school, Vuyani Primary in Gugulethu. The Consol school initiative inspires schools to recycle, and to develop green behaviour and change the way in which we view the environment.The Miss Earth South Africa Team planted GLADEOLUS bulbs sponsored by HADECO, with different grades at each school. Schools are re-energised to carry on their recycling programme and win the R5 000 prize from CONSOL at the end of October. Keep an eye out for the winning schools.

  Decor befitting for the Queen of Green

 Craig Urbani and Miss Earth South Africa charmed the guests.

 Matapa relaxing to a perfect backdrop of nature.

MATAPA Heats HOEDSPRUIT Miss Earth South Africa joined the Wilderness Vision Team at the Hoedspruit Bush Banquet, in Limpopo.With the “Circle of Life” as the theme and green as the plan of action: fine dinning, full bodied wine and an eclectic range of entertainment, a weekend of green splendour was enjoyed by all.  We were hosted by the over-all winning table, Alan McSmith Safaris. Alan and Sarah were the perfect hosts, ensuring the that the food, wine and laughter kept flowing the whole night through. Matapa for once got a chance to relax and unwind just as nature intended… Green KissesElla Bella (B.Ed, MA), Project Coordinator and Educational Officer, Miss Earth South Africa

 Heat wave begins to hit Durban, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and other parts of SA, the Miss Earth South Africa in association with Consol Team turned up the Green Heat in Umhlali, KZN.

These Kulula Jetsetters flew into KZN where they started at Noah’s Arch, an Aids village in Umhlali’s rural area. They were greeted by 72 small children from the local community who began shouting ‘Balungu, balungu’. Matapa Maila and team got out of their Toyota Prado compliments of Dannie and the boys from Thekwini Toyota and were ready to spend some time, playing, planting, educating and sharing the sunny day with these children.  

The next destination was Umhlali Preparatory school in the heart of Umhlali. Here a day of planting vegetables, bulbs, trees and seeds in the minds of our young South African children was the order of the day. Lechelle Nieuwoudt, the Miss Earth South Africa Ambassador who is also a teacher at the school planned and executed a day filled of green activities for all the grades. From throwing topsoil, to planting seedlings and watering the vegetable patches, Umhlali Spring Day Celebrations were very successful.

A special Thank you to Consol, Kulula and Imperial Toyota who make these educational programmes possible. 

Green Kisses on this beautiful Spring Day

Ella Bella (B.Ed, MA)

Project Co Ordinator and Educational Officer

The 29^th of August was no ordinary day for me and the Miss Earth South Africa team.  The vision was however very much alive, yet another day to work the ground, plant trees and green the minds making a difference and healing the earth.Woke up early hours of the morning, rushed to the airport and took our tree with us to board! A little bit over board you might think but hey if Mahommed cannot go to the mountain, you must bring the mountain to him so that is exactly what we did. Big ups to Catherine for carrying that tree like her baby and to Ella for convincing the crew to allow our tree on board.

Arrived safe and sound in the Zulu Kingdom, the beautiful Durban. Drove in style in a Toyota Corolla verso to our first destination and that was Umhlali . Their vast sugar canes fields are as much as traffic in Joburg!  We went to the Orphanage home of kids affected and infected by Aids with one of the Miss Earth South Africa finalist Bavisha . Aids is talked about every day and everywhere but this issue just never seem to hit home in us. It’s so heartbreaking to see such beautiful young souls suffering for something they don’t even understand. Kids being kids were just so happy to see a tall lady with a sash and they just started screaming! They gave me more than they had, such a warm welcome and so much love and appreciation. That made me feel so special and made my trip worthwhile.I could feel tears welling up at the back of my eyes because I just realised how blessed I am, to have my health , my loved ones,  my right to life not violated by those I trust. Well we got down to business, we did what we are good at, and that is leaving a green footprint, a signature and a legacy, the trees. We planted four beautiful trees for them, a sense of new beginning, and life they will see grow and be able to nurture. A sense of responsibility was born, the kids were so excited about planting trees, that is almost unheard of but hey such a small plant can go a long way, and it definitely did. We then gave our trees lots of love and the ceremony was sealed and it was time to say goodbye and continue our happy planting in Ballito!We met with the Umhlali primary pupils, had an educational workshop with them and it was so refreshing and breathtaking as to how much those kids know about the environment. It made me feel that the message that  I so strongly believe  in is being heard and lived. We presented the principal with trees for her beautiful school and sang with the kids. It was just spectacular and this was all thanks to Lechelle the Miss Earth South Africa Ambassador. Yet another life born, a life changed, the earth saved!

Next and last destination was the amazing, beautiful Shaka Marine. Looking at the ocean, all we see are the waves but wait until you see the life that lurks under those waves and you will be blown away. All I can say is WOW! One thing I have realised being a fashion lover that I am, is that all the fashion stoppers we see and love are referenced to the sea life.  The colours, the shapes the patterns are all in the world under the water. Got royal treatment from Anne who took us around the facilities and did a little workshop with us.  Who ever thought that a piece of cloth(sash) can open so many doors! Well it works wonders and I wear it wherever I go because you just never know who is looking! Even to bed in case the angels comes when I am sleeping!  Plus it also got me the pilot’s seat in the cockpit on the flight back to Jozi, guys was an experience and thanks to Charles and Nala (Kulula pilots) for making it possible! Power to the sash and of course Miss Earth South Africa and me! 

Learnt a lot about sea food, what qualifies as food and what doesn’t.  What we should be happily eating and what we should be conserving because they are endangered species. The Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative is working tirelessly to educated people on making right choices and spreading the word. They came up with a consumer’s seafood guide to know what you can and can’t eat. It’s divided into three categories, green for best choice( anchovy & tuna), orange for caution( prawns & kingklip) and red for NO SALE (baardman &Galjoen)! For more info go to: www.wwf.org.za/sassi.

Another eye opener was the fact that because I don’t stay by the sea side doesn’t mean I am not affected by the happenings there. Did you know that half the oxygen we breathe up here in the concrete jungle originates from the sea? Guess not but now you KNOW! We learn just as much as we teach and that is how we grow! Of course we couldn’t come back without going to the beach and feeling the sand in my toes! Boy that was great!

To join Miss Earth South Africa on her next greening adventure or to invite her to your greening events contact the Miss Earth South Africa office, details on the website. www.missearthsa.co.za

Matapa Maila,

Miss Earth South Africa 2008