Gone are the days when beauty pageants were all about external beauty. Over time these events have become multidimensional. Not only do they look at women as a whole, taking into account personality, intelligence and authenticity, but they identify women who have what it takes to serve the greater community.
Belindé Schreuder is one such woman and the current title holder of Miss International South Africa. Crowned on 20 July 2024 at The South African State Theatre in Pretoria, the 28-year-old seeks to rewrite the narrative and demonstrate that these pageants can be used for the greater good.
The slogan for the Miss International SA title is to "correct understanding of South Africa in the international community" and this will play a large role in Belindé’s reign, but her vision and sense of duty is so much more.
According to World South Africa Pageants founder, Kaylan Hamel, “Beauty pageants are often a stepping stone for women and men to get exposure to the industry and often start businesses or foundations of their own that make a difference for years after they hand over their crown.”
Belindé is already well on her way to making her difference in every sense of the word. With more than two decades experience in the modelling industry, the current beauty queen and change agent has graced catwalks, magazine covers, and prestigious events worldwide. Her elegance and versatility has made her a sought-after presence, and was the catalyst to her starting her own modelling agency, B-Agency SA.
As the founder of B-Agency, Schreuder nurtures young minds, fostering self-confidence and resilience. Her motivation to start the agency stemmed from her passion for personal development and self-confidence. She recognised the transformative impact that empowering young individuals could have on their lives. She aims to provide a nurturing environment where students can discover their potential, build resilience, and embrace their uniqueness.
While the focus here is on Schreuder’s work in the community, and the globe at large, it is important to acknowledge that she is no average Joe in the pageantry world. She has won a number of grand slam pageants in South Africa, including Miss United Continents SA, Miss Supranational SA, Miss Earth SA, to name a few. She is also a make-up artist, author and motivational speaker who continuously inspires and motivates, using her own life stories to empower those around her.
Her wanderlust has led her to 11 countries across Asia, Europe, and South America, allowing her to immerse in diverse cultures, draw inspiration from every corner of the world, and acquire a global awareness needed to fulfil her current title as Miss International SA.
Alluding to her recent win, she said, “I feel deeply honoured and incredibly blessed. This title isn’t just a personal achievement; it’s a stepping stone toward a brighter future and a powerful platform to make a difference. As Miss International SA, I have the privilege of showcasing my culture to the world.”
The trailblazer has come a long way from her humble beginnings, growing up on a farm in Limpopo. It was also here that she was able to forge a deep connection to nature and wildlife, and therefore her advocacy work focuses a great deal on conservation and environmental awareness, ensuring a better planet for future generations.
“Animal conservation and youth development hold a special place in my heart.” She jokes, “While I may be a model, there’s another side to me: I’m also a local farm girl who finds joy in walking through the fields with my vellies and getting dirt under my nails. Most importantly though, learning about different cultures enriches our lives and motivates us to be more open-minded and compassionate.”
Nothing short of extraordinary, this beautiful young South African woman will be representing South Africa in Tokyo, Japan, from 29 October to 12 November 2024 for the Miss International title. Miss International, which is hosted by the ICA International Cultural Association of Japan, is the third biggest pageant in the world with well over 80 countries represented on its stage.
“Preparing for Japan feels like a whirlwind,” Schreuder explained “On one hand, I’m diving into the international organisation’s expectations, aiming to collaborate with entrepreneurs and mentors worldwide. But on the other hand, life doesn’t slow down. I’m still running an agency, and let’s not forget about managing a household. It’s a delicate balancing act. The two-month journey to Internationals involves wardrobe choices, events, and interactions. Yet, it’s more than that — it’s about understanding diverse cultures and defining my goals for the year ahead. Fingers crossed for a win.”
Schreuder’s legacy resonates with resilience, creativity, and purpose — a beacon of beauty and empowerment. She hopes her contribution to society will empower young girls and women to follow their dreams.