The women behind the sash

Meet Jessica Tovey (23) and Saskia Wagner (18), two beauties who have made it into the top 26 semi-finalists for Miss South Africa 2017.

Tovey, from Randpark Ridge, is a speech therapist and audiologist in community service and enjoys going to gym, shopping, and reading self-empowerment books. She would love to meet Ellen Degeneres and Maya Angelou is her role model. Tovey is currently reading You Can, You Will by Joel Osteen as well as The Magic by Rhonda Byrne. She listens to Matthew Mole, Black Coffee and anything you find on the radio at the moment. She generally loves food but has to put seafood at the top of her list.

“I want to be Miss SA because I believe everything has led me to this point in my life and I believe it is part of my purpose. Miss SA is the epitome of a woman of soulful beauty that will influence the people of SA wherever she goes. I believe that I am ready to take on that role and advance the Miss SA brand. I have always had a passion for people living with disabilities and so, as Miss SA 2017, I feel that I will have a platform to make a difference in this community,” said Tovey.

Honeydew resident, Wagner’s hobbies are reading, relaxing or spending time with her loved ones. A first year Bachelor of Accounting student at Stellenbosch University, Wagner had to stop horse riding when she moved to Stellenbosch but still visits the stables when she is up in Johannesburg. She is currently reading One Plus One by Jojo Moyes and enjoys listening to Indie music, as well as, Sam Smith and Adele. Her favourite television show is MasterChef Australia and her favourite dish is anything with pasta.

“I want to become an empowered woman who is able to inspire change in South Africa. As Miss SA I want to impart my skills to uplift society. I aspire to use the skills that I have gained in my business-based degree to create a platform for young entrepreneurs and help create jobs to boost the economy and improve the lives of the many unemployed youth in SA. By combining beauty, grace and brains, I believe this is something I can achieve along with the Miss SA team who can mentor me through this process and guide me to growing into an empowered and inspiring South African woman,” said Wagner.

Both semi-finalists will compete with 24 other contestants for the prestigious title at the Sun City Superbowl on 25 March 2017.