Pretoria shines at Miss SA
The Top 12 Miss South Africa finalists - who are vying for the title of Miss South Africa 2017 - have been announced and three of them are from the capital city, Pretoria.
They will compete to wear the prestigious crown at the Sun City Superbowl on the 26th of March.
The finalists come from three of the country's nine provinces: eight are from Gauteng with two from the Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal. In Gauteng they come from Alexandra, Soweto, Lenasia, Pretoria, Benoni and Krugersdorp and the Western Cape finalists hail from Herold's Bay and Sedgefield. Kwa-Zulu Natal contestants come from Durban and Mtunzini.
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Nicola van Nierkerk:
Twenty-six-year-old Nicole van Niekerk from Môregloed in Pretoria is an events planner who specialises in children's parties, a part time model and au-pair. She likes spending time with her family and her labrador Kaylee. Nicole says she takes inspiration from her mother who got a degree when she was in her 50s. Nicole - who recently took up ballet classes - admits to be terrified of heights. She is a vegetarian whose favourite meal is pasta mixed with an assortment of vegetables.
Odirile Sepeng:
Twenty-three-year-old Odirile Sepeng from Mapobane in Pretoria is a BCom Law student at Varsity College. She loves drawing and painting and is interested in photography. Odirile always says that the best days are unplanned, random and spontaneous, so a hike with friends or a picnic at the park is always a good idea. She is also a Latin American and ballroom dancer. She currently focuses on her law books but when she needs a dose of inspiration she references one of her favourite books, The Secret by Rhonda Bryne.
Yuta Raubenheimer:
Yuta Raubenheimer, from Kameeldrift near Pretoria, is a 25-year-old customer service supervisor for Gautrain. To be Miss South Africa has always been her dream for as long as she can remember. She loves dancing and used to do some contemporary ballet but now does sh'bam, zumba and advanced aerobics. She is also involved with Toastmasters, sings at her church's worship team and takes part in a number of charity projects. Her first career choice was to join the South African Defence Force as an air force pilot, as serving South Africa has always been her heart's desire.