A night of glitz and glam

Melinda Bam, Miss SA 2011 at the South African Music Awards

As most of you know, I had the privilege of attending the 2012 South African Music Awards . I was extremely excited, not only because of all the talented artists I would meet and rub shoulders with, but also because of my beautiful dress designed by Peter Bondesio

Arriving at Sun City on Sunday morning, you could already feel the buzz of one of South Africa’s most glamorous events.

The Designer Capsule

Collection Fashion Show

It was then onto rehearsals for the SAMA’s and Edgars’ first Designer Capsule Collection Fashion Show, where I was to emcee for the first time. Although I was nervous I was also super excited, and the whole Edgars’ team helped me prepare and made me feel so comfortable. By the time the fashion show started I was relaxed and ready. The beautiful clothes featured on the runway included collections by Jo Borkett, Marion&Lindie, Urban Goddess, Black Coffee, Forever New, Funduzi and Lunar. All of collections were stunning and it was awesome to be a part of a show that promotes South African Designers.

Arriving at the 2012 South African Music Awards

Stepping onto the yellow carpet I was overwhelmed by the amount of press and flashes – true glamour at its best!

As I got off the carpet, I saw the beautiful Unathi and Minnie Dlamini in gorgeous white and black dresses with feathered detail – their dresses blew me away and they looked incredible. Jen Su, Pabi Moloi and off course my beautiful friend Bonang Matheba all looked stunning as well. I felt so special and privileged to be in their presence, and I knew that the evening would turn out to be a spectacular one.

This brings me to my dress – I was extremely honoured that I got to wear a beautiful creation by Peter Bondesio. The dress was originally designed for Miss Botswana, Emma Wareus, for the 2010 Miss World pageant where she placed 1st Runner-up. As soon as I saw the dress I fell in love with it, and felt like it was such a shame that the mainstream media in South Africa didn’t get to see this creation by a very talented South African designer. That being said I know it is and will always be Emma’s dress but I’m glad that I got the opportunity to where it too, and I loved every second of it.

Overall the SAMA’s were brilliantly organised and it was an experience I will never forget. It was a fantastic weekend, and meeting so many of the people I’ve admired for a long time was simply the cherry on top.

To those who made this night memorable

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the people who helped make this night an unforgettable one.

Thank you to the Cascades Hotel for taking such good care of us during our stay. A special thank-you must go to the MTN Lifestyle Emporium who spoilt all the presenters with the most amazing goodie bags. Another big thank-you to the Styling Concepts team, for putting so much effort into the Emporium – you truly made me, and I’m sure every other guest, feel very special. Last but definitely not least, to all the fans that came up to me at Sun City  and to those who made me a trending topic on Twitter– you are all very dear to me.

Each and every day I am humbled and blessed to be your Miss South Africa.

Hard work and dedication certainly reaps rewards

Melinda Bam, Miss SA 2011, at her graduation ceremony

After four years of hard work and dedication, the day has finally come where I can call myself a graduate. On the 24th of April I proudly graduated with a BCom Marketing (Cum Laude) from the University of Pretoria . Although the day started off with gloomy weather, nothing could put a damper on my excitement, especially when my family and friends arrived to wish me well. It is truly an honour to share a special day like this with both my family and all the people at Sun International whose support and encouragement has been invaluable during my studies. We were greeted by Bryan from Lux Limos – I had to have a giggle at mom and grandparents when they saw the Mini Limo – it definitely made for a memorable ride to the graduation.

The graduation ceremony

When I arrived at the Rautenbach Hall at LC De Villers, it felt like I was back to my student days. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the incredible journey I’ve been on this year. It felt like just yesterday I enrolled at the University of Pretoria and began my life as a student. I had such a warm welcome when arriving at the graduation. From Prof Burton in the ceremony to the press who have followed me and who have been loyal so along the way, to fellow lecturers and classmates, who have all embarked on their own incredible journeys. Dr Arnold gave an inspiring speech about finding our passion, and making it our work. He told us to have a dream and know how to get there, to become an expert at what we do and to always find a problem and solve it.

Melinda at the Graduation

When it came time to have my moment on stage I heard Mary Reynolds words she whispered in my ear at the crowning, “stop hopping and be a lady”, but I just couldn’t help doing my version of a victory dance at the end. I have learned over the years that you are responsible for making your life enjoyable in every moment you find yourself in. With all formalities out of the way, the time had come to head outside to throw our caps.

Time for interviews

I ended off the day with a few interviews from the Sowetan , Beeld , Pretoria News, Citizen and New Age . I realised how privileged I am to have people that know and understand my heart, and who are passionate and excited about the same things I am. I have not only gotten to know the people of South Africa but they have now gotten to know me. In the wise words of my mom “you can never underestimate the value of knowing your passion, and hopefully you’ll discover the power of living it.” I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to study and can’t stress enough how important it is to grant and take the opportunities to study, after all knowledge really is power.

Miss South Africa 2011, Melinda Bam launches campaign in aid of the Thuthuzela Aid Community Centre.  February will mark the launch of the “SAVE OUR HOME” campaign led by Miss South Africa 2011, Melinda Bam.

Miss Universe 2011, Leila Lopes being welcomed at O.R. Tambo by reigning Miss SA 2011, Melinda Bam and the children from Thuthuzela

The campaign is in aid of the Thuthuzela Aid Community Centre, a place of safety for fourteen children who have been removed from parental custody for various reasons such as abuse, negligence, rape, abandonment. The children are sent to Thuthuzela by the SAPS, social workers and Child Welfare. “HIV/AIDS infected children receive treatment during their stay here says 22 year old Bam. She continues; the children attend school while the younger one attend day care. The thought of these children being evicted breaks my heart and sadly it is a reality that they face.”

Bam has been involved in the project since 2011 as a Miss South Africa finalist, it is then that she learnt of the owners’ intent to sell the property where Thuthuzela is located. After her crowning in December 2011, she was certain that 2012, her year of reign will be dedicated to helping save Thuthuzela. Elizabeth (Lizzy) Monyela, child minder and the founder of Thuthuzela Aid Community Centre established the centre in 2005 after seeing the pain of children neglected in her community. It was also motivated by the heartache of losing her son, Julius who suffered from Down’s syndrome. “The building we occupy was initially meant to be a temporary shelter. Six years later we are still here sharing the place with other tenants. Nineteen orphans are now sleeping in the same room, sharing only one bathroom.

We are in urgent need of a new home with enough rooms space for the kids to play in. Our day care centre, run in the same premises, is also affected by this lack of space. There are 41 children who share the same garage area. We would love to have proper classrooms, toilet facilities and play areas. The building is currently for sale and our greatest fear is that should the house be purchased by someone we would be evicted. We cannot afford to buy it ourselves nor would it be possible for us to cover the heavy renovation costs required,” says Lizzy as she is affectionately known in the community.

The Business for Empowerment Trust “BET” has come on board donating R100 000 to the “SAVE OUR HOME” initiative and will be handing over a cheque to Melinda and Lizzy on the 23rd February 2012 at Shere Empowerment Conference Centre in Pretoria East. “When I heard about this donation I was out of words. It gave me a sense of hope and purpose and I am grateful to the organisation. This is just the beginning and we are nowhere near our target. I call upon more organisations to assist, this cannot be done without you,” said Melinda Bam.

BET was established in 2008 primarily to provide an independent and expertly administered, managed and monitored vehicle for organisations to channel their Socio-Economic Development “SED” or CSI contributions to beneficiaries that qualify in terms of BEE requirements. Soon after it was established the BET evolved towards also facilitating the integration of Socio-Economic Development with Black Enterprise Development. Towards the end of 2009 a programme was started whereby tertiary-qualified unemployed black youths were empowered to supply the Hunger & Thirst Foundation with feeding packs needed for the children in its programme. This meant that the same money that funded social development was leveraged to also fund black entrepreneurship development. The amount donated will be put in a secure trust fund until enough funds are raised to acquire a new property for mam’ Lizzy and her children. Further expansion plans will also be put in place to benefit the community which played home to Thuthuzela for the past 6 years.

Miss Universe Visits South Africa

Miss Universe 2011, Leila Lopes, arrives in Johannesburg, South Africa tomorrow, making this her first official visit to the country since winning the title in September last year. On arrival she will be welcomed by Miss South Africa 2011, Melinda Bam, who was crowned in December last year at a glitzy red carpet event in Sun City.

Miss Universe Gets a Taste of South Africa

During her visit, Lopes, who hails from Angola, will attend a launch event for African Fashion International on Thursday, 16 February in support of Joburg Fashion Week 2012, scheduled to start next month. She will also take time to visit one of Melinda Bam’s supported charities – Thuthuzela, an NGO which looks after abandoned and orphaned children in Alexandra Township.
Miss South Africa 2011, Melinda Bam, and Miss Universe 2011, Leila Lopes, have also been confirmed to attend the State of the Province Address by Honourable Thandi Modise, Premier of the North West, on 17 February at the North West University’s Mafikeng Campus.

Taking the Fashion World by Storm

Lopes has been making waves in the world of fashion over the past year. Lopes walked the runway for South African Designer David Tlale during Joburg Fashion Week 2011, featuring his Fall/Winter Collection. Lopes lands in South Africa on the heels of making her debut at New York Fashion Week where she walked for Designer Rolando Santana and SACHIKA earlier this week. The Angolan beauty is currently on the cover of the February/March 2012 issue of “New African Woman” Magazine.

For all other inquiries regarding Miss Universe, please contact:
• Brenda Mendoza, Director of Public Relations for the Miss Universe Organization, at bmendoza@missuniverse.com, or
• Sue Klerck, Marketing Executive for Sun International, at sue.klerck@zasuninternational.com
For further media queries please contact:
• Londi Sibisi, Sun International PR Consultant, on 011 780 7534.

Busy Bee

Looking back at the last two weeks, I’ve been as busy as a Miss South Africa should be. A month and a half into my reign and the publicity has picked up even more – it’s been so thrilling knowing that wherever I go I will experience the good hope the people of this country have for me.

Prive Shoot

I started by visiting the beautiful Durban for a Prive magazine shoot. I took a road trip down to the Wild Coast Sun resort while I was in Kwa-Zulu Natal and got to experience the newly renovated water park at the resort. Even though I’m a sophisticated young adult, I definitely felt the excitement of a small child when I saw the spectacular new rides and features. I was there to work though and after meeting the crew, I knew that it wouldn’t be long until I could experience the awesome rides. The team was so professional and their “can do” attitude meant that we were finished with the shoot in no time at all. You’ll have to wait until the end of February to see the wonderful moments captured at the Wild Coast Sun in the Prive magazine, but believe me; it’ll be well worth the wait! To the crew – Ian, Erika, Shaun, Candice and Aldatha – a million thanks for a wonderful time.

May the light that God gave me, shine on the hopeless, may it give them warmth and comfort and light up their path.

God Gave Me My Big Toes So I Can Wear My Heels

My week come to welcome standstill when I had a lovely pampering session at Camelot Spa. I was taken there for a day of pampering and what I thought would be a pedicure. It turned out to be a reflexology massage but as the V-Entertainment TV production crew was there, close-ups were needed. Quoting a tweet: “We’ve found her weakness…” My big toe is shorter than all the others and while my feet may leave a lot to be desired when it comes to aesthetics, I feel very lucky to have toes like I do. This way, I can wear heels all day everyday without by big toes screaming for help as they are squashed into obliteration. I have been blister-free for 23 years and so I sauté you my “small” big toe!

Melinda at the Sun International Head Office in Sandton

Hitting the ground running is not an exaggeration describing my first week as Miss South Africa, so when I finally had the chance to go home and also get into the festivity of things, it seemed like my life was playing out in slow motion in front of me. I could kick off my shoes, tell the stories, see my family, and breathe.

I only had 2 days of familiarity – my own bed and my dogs, Nikki and Sterrie before I left on holiday with my family and I had to run around doing last minute Christmas shopping as well. It was incredible sitting around the Christmas tree, singing Christmas songs and eating Christmas pudding.

In my interviews, I was often asked what I wanted for Christmas, my answer every time was that I wanted a Christmas like every other year…with my family. I have everything I could possibly want and more. I have truly experienced God’s divine favour over my life during this past year and everything has exceeded my expectations. Once again, as in the final question to me on stage, I sat and counted my blessings…it took considerably longer than usual.

Family holidays in Jeffreys Bay have become as much of a tradition as “braaivleis and rugby” is to South Africa. My mom and dad, my sister and her new fiancé, and my best friends made the whole holiday perfect and relaxing, just like the festive season should be.

Afterwards, I went to Cape Town and received such a warm welcome from family I hadn’t seen in years. I spent my time going to beautiful places, watching the most awesome sunsets from Blouberg, soaking up the sun on Llandudno and feeling like a tourist in my own country -taking pictures of e-ve-ry-thing!

I received an invitation to L’Ormarins Queens Plate at the Kenilworth Racecourse, a truly spectacular event with all adorned in blue and white. Now, being the kind of girl I am, getting a dress isn’t a simple feat…it needs to be me. It must be put together carefully and never at the last minute.

In this quest to find a dress, hat accessories and shoes…my fairy godfather came to my rescue. I spoke to Gideon, who designed my pink Haute Couture dress on the night of the Miss South Africa Pageant, he said: “don’t worry love, we’ll have a dress delivered to you by tomorrow” . I really do have a group of incredible people to support me.

I was welcomed at the event by flashing camera’s and a sea of beautiful, smiling people. It was incredible to meet Jo-Ann Straus in person, such a timeless beauty with an equally beautiful heart. Shooting up a prayer, I asked “Lord, may I look and be as gracious, in 12 years’ time”.

After a lovely event and a long but fun road trip back home, I had a reality check – this would soon be my old home and thanks to living out of my bags for so long I was welcomed back to my very wrecked and chaotic room. It wasn’t long before I received my first calls from my friends to catch up after a long time apart. There are a few things that make me feel at home in an instant…my dogs wagging tails, my own bed, and pizza’s with the girls!

As I posted on twitter, I had a BIG meeting this week…now one might expect to have a boardroom with all dressed in black suits but, I was taken to meet everyone and welcomed with big smiles and teddy bear hugs. The team at Sun International have all been incredible and I can see future bigger meetings being stress free.

For a first week at the office this has been a smooth start to the year. I have had many promises of help, we have more sponsors on board, I have finished a shoot for Glamour Magazine and have a booked cover shoot for Finesse Magazine still to come, I know it will be a very successful year.

“Work hard on the things you love because passion is the groundwork of success”.

Till next time

Miss South Africa 1st Princess, Remona Moodley popped into the office last week to tell us about her Fund-A-Dream Foundation and the exciting campaign that they will be launching. The Fund-A-Dream Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation (091-512) that was founded in 2010 by Remona.   The Foundation aims to source funding for talented young South Africans to prevent financial constraints from stifling their dreams.. They are currently running 3 campaigns:

• Educate -to-Motivate: This campaign is aimed at providing school learners with a complete education package Remona Moodley, Miss South Africa 1st Princessincluding school uniform, fees, stationery and extra tuition for one year of study. Top learners in disadvantaged schools will be the recipients of this scholarship in an effort to encourage academic excellence.
• Start-A-Scholarship: Companies and individuals wishing to sponsor a young person with a specific talent and goal can start a scholarship in the name of their company or self.  The Fund-A-Dream Foundation will find a suitable candidate and market the scholarship on your behalf.
• See-A-Need, Fill-A-Need: This gives young people the opportunity to advertise their needs on our website such that visitors to our site can assist with these needs.

Educate-to-Motivate Scholarship Ceremony

The Fund-A-Dream Foundation is proud to announce the launch of our first campaign! On the 24th January 2012, 6 grade 12 learners from Hout Bay High will be receiving scholarships to the total value of R25 000 and all 660 learners will be gifted a stationery pack to kick-start their year.

The scholarships will cover the following expenses:

1. Full school uniform including an iconic blazer bearing the name of the sponsor
2. School bag with stationery
3. Study guides
4. Private tuition for Mathematics and Science
5. A cash prize of R1000 for the highest academic achiever at the end of 2012

Kieno Kammies of Cape Talk will be hosting the ceremony along with the founder of the Fund-A-Dream Foundation, Miss South Africa 1st Princess, Remona Moodley. The Fund-A-Dream Foundation hope that the campaign will inspire and motivate learners at the school to strive towards excellence this year as they aim to be recipients of a scholarship in years to come.

The Fund-A-Dream Foundation are so grateful for their fantastic sponsors who have contributed to this campaign.   Thank you to Velvet Sky for ensuring that the Fund-A-Dream team will make the trip to Cape Town and back in style and Shipping & General Transport (Pty) Ltd, Shipping & General Freight (Pty) Ltd, Supreme Rubber (Pty) Ltd and Mrs V Ramalu for their generous monetary contributions towards this initiative.

If you would like to find out more about this or any other campaigns we are running or would like to get involved you can visit our website www.fundadreamfoundation.org or email info@fundadreamfoundation.org.

Well done Remona!  We’re very proud of you!

Melinda Bam, Miss SA 2011

There comes a time in every person’s life where even the most confident individuals buckle under pressure and begin to question whether their dreams will ever come true. I wasn’t sure if I could handle my name being called out last again. I had been almost last in the Top 12 announcement and last in the line up. But this time, being called last was what mattered most and my name was again the last name to be called. This time as Miss South Africa 2011!

A Little Girl’s Dream

I was completely blown away and couldn’t believe that my childhood dreams had become a reality. I know that I have God to thank for guiding me through my life in order to prepare me for the year ahead. As my grandfather said, I was a product of my choices, rather than my circumstances.

With the Crown Comes Great Responsibility

My life as well as my schedule changed the moment that the crown was placed on my head and I began rushing from one interview to the next immediately. I had meet and greets with All Access, Mzanzi, Times Live, EWN, Pretoria News as well as the key players involved in the extravagant production at Sun City. The following week was a blur between flashes and interviews and the overwhelming response I got from the country I would be representing. I couldn’t have imagined a more positive and welcoming embrace from South Africa – our nation really is a wonderful place.

Travels and Twitter Fans

I soon visited Durban with JetSet  & Iman , two of the Miss South Africa sponsors, who will definitely make this year a memorable one. During my stay I met some Twitter followers in Gateway (@Zorro_ness, you are a beautiful person) before heading off to Cape Town. Here I met my family at the fabulous GrandWest  Casino. My first week was packed with new encounters which are taking me on a journey of discovery mapped out by God. I look forward to every moment from here on out and will show what I can achieve through grace.

The Miss South Africa winner will win more than just the title and tiara; she will take home incredible prizes and a host of memories. This is South Africa’s national pageant and the bounty reflects the prestigious nature of the pageant.

“DSTV’s Mzansi Magic, our official broadcast sponsor and Sun International has successfully transformed the Miss SA pageant into an emotive television reality show,” says Sue Klerck, Public Relations Executive, Sun International. “Thousands of South Africans have been able to chart the progress of the Miss SA semi-finalists on “The Road to Miss South Africa” and come Sunday 11 December, Mzansi Magic will broadcast live from the Sun City Superbowl when the 12 Finalists compete for the crown.

Sun International is committed to the empowerment of women and their support of this premier beauty pageant goes beyond simply being the licence holder of the Miss South Africa Pageant

The new Miss SA will enjoy extensive travel opportunities representing sponsors and charitable partners and be given VIP access to numerous Sun International events.

She will also enjoy a holiday at the luxurious Royal Livingstone Hotel, Sun International’s Victoria Falls property in Zambia courtesy of Dreams. She will also qualify to participate in the Miss World and/or Miss Universe pageants courtesy of Sun International. She will be flown to the international events and her accommodation, attire, portfolio and visas will be attended to.

A cash prize of R50 000.00 from Sun International will also come her way. She will win a new Ford Focus 1.6 Trendline sponsored by Barloworld Motors.

Melinda Bam, Miss SA 2011 in her brand new car sponsored by Barloworld

Miss SA will have an enviable wardrobe for the duration of her reign; shoes from Europa Art and clothing from Cameroon Clothing.

The newly crowned Miss SA will receive a specially designed Jet Set Diamond watch to the value of R130 000. She will also be able to select another 3 watches to accessorise her wardrobe. Jet Set Watches also sponsors an all-expenses paid trip to Paris and Basle to the value of R140 000. Miss South Africa will receive personal imaging, social skills and etiquette training from Professional Impressions.

Feeling and looking beautiful during her reign is a must and the following beauty professionals will ensure that she constantly looks good; Iman Cosmetics, Camelot Spa will provide Miss South Africa with all her beauty and body spa treatments for the duration of her reign. L’Oreal Professional will provide professional hair styling products for the year of her reign and Gary Rom Hairdressing services will style her hair.

She will be limousine driven in style by Lux Limos and Avis Car Hire will provide the reigning Miss SA with complimentary car hire.

Varsity College will give Miss South Africa an educational bursary and she will also receive a bursary for the charity of her choice. She will also win a Blackberry Bold, 12 months of airtime and a 40″ LCD, PVR Decoder & 12 months DSTV subscription from Multichoice.

Officials from Sun International , along with members of the North West province’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, recently hosted a delegation from the Miss Universe Organisation. Sun International have been working closely with local government officials in a bid to bring the prestigious Miss Universe pageant to South African shores.

Miss Universe Organisation members were shown the fabulous facilities Sun City has to offer and given a small taste of Sun International’s trademark world-class African hospitality.

Delegates Inspect Sun City

The visiting Miss Universe Organisation delegation consisted of its President, Paula Shugart, Rachel Frimer, Vice President of Production, Andrea Berner, General Counsel and Shawn McClain, Director of Business Development. They met with the North West government officials and Sun International representatives to scrutinise Sun City’s suitability as a venue for a future Miss Universe pageant.

The delegation inspected the Sun City Superbowl , as well as the resort’s hotel facilities, in order to ensure an event of Miss Universe’s scope could be catered for. They were quickly re-assured; Sun City has a rich history of hosting huge international showpieces successfully.

Sun International is quietly confident that Sun City will be in the Miss Universe Organisation’s thoughts when it comes time for final decision-making.

The Miss Universe Pageant

The Miss Universe competition has been restored to its full glory in recent years, following world-famous entrepreneur Donald Trump’s acquisition of the pageant. Founded in 1952, the Miss Universe crown is awarded to only the world’s brightest and most beautiful women. Winners of the competition spend a year travelling around the world, engaging in humanitarian and diplomatic work, trying to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Watch out for the Miss South Africa entry in next year’s competition and hold thumbs that Sun City’s bid to bring the glittering competition to the country is successful.