Fairest teen in South Africa is crowned

BUBBLY Port Elizabeth girl Mikaela Oosthuizen was crowned the fairest teen in the land at Sun City at the weekend.

With the news still sinking in, she said: "I am very excited about the opportunities that my year's reign will bring.

"It has been an amazing experience to have spent the last few days with some of the most beautiful and intelligent young ladies.

"I think the judges could have put all of our names in a hat, and drawn out a winner - anyone of us would have been deserving of the title."

Mikaela, 14, who has her sights set on a career in television, in the meantime plans to present motivational workshops for teenagers about sex and drug abuse.

Relinquishing her title, Miss SA Teen 2009 Chante Jantjies said she thought the judges made a very good choice.

"All the girls were really beautiful and it was a tough decision for them to make."

But this is not the end of Chante's responsibilities.

"I am off to represent South Africa in the Miss Teen Universe, so please hold thumbs for me."

Hot on Mikaela's heels was 16-year-old first princess Minky Mothabela of Johannesburg, who will represent Miss SA Teen should Mikaela not be able to attend an event.

Also from Jozi is Meeshka Joseph, 18, who was named second princess. Already a part-time model, Meeshka wants to be a chartered accountant plus entering for the Miss SA title in the near future.

Giving advice to future Miss SA Teen entrants, Mikaela said: "This competition is not just about beauty but also about brains."