About Being Miss South Africa 2003: Winning Miss South Africa has always been a dream to me. I dreamt of winning this when I was a very young girl and after I won the Miss City Press pageant I realised that I had what it takes to be a Beauty Queen.

Now having won the Miss South Africa 2003 title at Sun City on 13th December 2003, I have realised my life long dream and it has now become my reality ! I am truly honoured and will treasure this year and all its experiences for the rest of my life. I have realised that I am now an Ambassador for my country and a role model for the youth of South Africa.

I have been so spoilt with many tangible and intangible gifts since I was crowned, and I feel so blessed by the “Almighty” that he has given me so much. I am now driving my dream car, which is the latest TOYOTA RAV 4. It is my favourite car and beautiful to drive. I’m always turning heads when I’m in my car. To all the sponsors, Sun International and designers I am really grateful for all their generosity towards me.

My reign so far has been extremely exciting and very busy with interviews, photo shoots, attending functions, travelling to new places and I am thoroughly enjoying this learning curve. I am constantly meeting interesting people and the most fulfilling feeling to me is when you see the difference that you make in the children’s lives. As Miss South Africa you get to offer a lot of love to a variety of people, including those who are sick, homeless and even the healthy children.

Goals:During the year of my reign I will be very involved in Charity work and CSI projects. However I would like to help the children especially those whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS and those that have been abandoned. The Children of South Africa are really very close to my heart and I will be very involved in fund raising throughout the year of my reign and there after.
Basically my goal for the year is to do everything that I can to make a difference in our country. My short-term goal is to do well in the “Miss Universe” pageant, taking place in Quito, Ecuador, South America on 1st June 2004 and represent my country with pride, honour and integrity.

After My reign: I would like to see myself as a successful Business Woman, proudly South African and would like to continue serving my community.

My motto: Dream big because everything is achieveable.

My message to the youth: Always remember that “Knowledge is power”. Keep focussed on your visions and make your dreams your reality.

All pictures and images copyright of JOAN RAMAGOSHI