A tiny Delft girl has won a national virtual beauty pageant and will be representing South Africa at the international leg of the competition in Turkey next year.
Six-year-old Zaila Smith has been crowned Miss Tiny SA, and scooped seven other awards along the way.
The contest is a category in the Miss Junior South Africa pageants which were all held online this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Zaila’s win also puts her in contention to represent the country at the Miss Tiny Universe pageant in Turkey next year.
The cute girlie tells the Daily Voice: “I am still feeling overwhelmed and cannot believe that I won the title as it is my first big pageant.”
Zaila won the SA Finalist Pageant Miss Tiny South Africa 2020 here she comes supper proud of you man, all your hard...
Posted by Basheerah Phillips on Sunday, August 23, 2020
Zaila started modelling at the age of three and her mother Laura decided to get her a professional coach to mould her skills.
The mom says: “Zaila did her first pageant in 2018, where she was placed the second princess for Miss and Mr Northpine. She enjoyed herself being on stage for the first time.”
“In January last year, I decided to enrol her with Tiffany Amber Models.”
Her list of titles includes Goddess of the World, Crystal Diva, Miss Face Of Autism, Miss Valentine and Western Cape Modelling Champion.
The Grade R learner wants to use modelling to assist her community and says: “It is not just about winning the titles but to make a change in the community.”
Miss Tiny SA was initially scheduled to take place in March but due to the lockdown, it was held online.
Participants had to send in videos of themselves modelling and interviews were done virtually.
Zaila not only clinched the Miss Tiny SA 2020 crown, but also won awards for Best Dressed Evening Wear, Best Interview Wear, Best Theme Outfit, Best Ramp Model, Best in Interview, Face Of South Africa.
Laura says the crown arrived on Saturday and was officially handed over to her in Durbanville.
Zaila wants to follow in the footsteps of Zozibini Tunzi and become Miss Universe.
Her mom adds: “My wish as a mother for my only daughter is to have many accomplishments but also to finish school and better her education.”