How pageants helped former Miss Tshwane find her confidence

Born and raised in Pretoria, Danelle du Plessis, a former Miss Tshwane, discovered the transformative power of beauty pageants on her self-confidence. Explaining the significance of pageants, she stated, “It’s about the girl or boy who might be insecure, who hasn’t yet realised their own worth, but who has the courage to step onto a stage and start believing in themselves.”

Du Plessis, a mother of two young boys, shared her personal experience of comparison and self-doubt. She said, “That is why it is so incredibly special for me to be part of someone else’s journey as a judge today. A pageant can be a safe space for a young person to build self-confidence, find their voice and discover who they truly are.”

Du Plessis' modelling journey began at the age of 16 when she was approached by a professional photographer. Initially, she dismissed it as an unlikely path, given her insecurities and lack of confidence. However, she persevered and placed second in a local modelling competition. Her modelling career then took off, leading her to appear in various TV shows and even as the poster girl for a popular hangout spot.

In 2016, Du Plessis embarked on a modelling adventure to Mozambique, where she worked alongside a group of talented photographers and models. This experience helped her develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty of diversity and the importance of self-acceptance. After battling Covid-19, Du Plessis was invited to compete in the Miss Pretoria-Tshwane pageant in 2021.

Despite her initial reservations, she entered the competition and ultimately won the title. The experience proved to be an invaluable learning opportunity for Du Plessis, reinforcing her belief in the power of self-belief and the importance of supporting others on their personal journeys.