Has grown into a beautiful young woman who is taking the beauty world by surprise. Yesterday she has just qualified in the miss universe top5. In the past decade seen posing with Jo-Ann Strauss Rolele was just a little girl.
Interviews between YOU, TopBilling and Rolene
Occupation: Medical student at the University of the Free State.
Previous beauty competitions/pageants won: Elite Model Look South Africa 2007; Miss Diaz 2010 and Miss Shimla Varsity Cup 2011.
What lessons did you learn during The Road to Miss SA TV shoot at Sun City? I found your attitude determines your experiences and your growth. Just like the runway challenge in the rain, life also has slippery and challenging moments. We should keep our eyes on the main goal, be fearless and go for gold. Even if it means that you might slip and fall you will inevitably end up stronger.
What were the highlights of your Sun City stay? I loved the photo shoot with Tim Hulme. It was the experience of a lifetime, if there was one creature I could be for a day, it would be an eagle. With this specific challenge I had the opportunity to share the lens with a beautiful black eagle. Also the fact that I was able to have such a wonderful experience with 11 amazing women strengthened the bond between us in such a way that we become very close, almost like sisters.
Why did you want to be Miss SA and what do you think you will bring to the role? When someone says "South Africa" I get goosebumps. I have this fire of passion burning inside me for our country. The opportunities I have received have made me who I am today and I've realised there is so much to give, to our country and our people. Miss South Africa is all about giving. One of the greatest gifts anyone can receive is the gift of a healthy life. With my passion for giving, people and health, I will be able to contribute to one of the most important things any country desires – health for all.
Which previous Miss SA has inspired you? Jo-Anne Strauss. I remember meeting her as a nine-year-old girl in my hometown, Volksrust in Mpumalanga. She brought Miss SA to the people and is still making a change in the lives of others. She's the perfect example of a beautiful, strong woman who became Miss SA, went back to university, finished her studies and is using all her opportunities since her crowning 13 years ago. I would love to be one of her successors.
Who are your role models? Professor Jonathan Jansen, the rector of the University of the Free State, is one the most outspoken, down-to-earth, passionate people's persons I've met. He's not afraid to stand for what he believes in, he loves what he does and gives of himself to his students. I can testify that he wants the best for his students and supports them in all they do. We can all learn from Prof Jansen. Love what you do, stay humble and let the light shine on others.
Tell us a bit more about your family? I was blessed with the most amazing and supportive family! My mom studied nursing and my dad medicine at the University of the Free State. He met my mom when she was working in the wards at Universitas Hospital and started charming her. Like a fairy tale, they fell in love, got married and eventually wanted to start a family. After five long years (and most of their savings), I popped out of a test tube. A year after my birth my brother was, as my mom says, "sent from heaven". We're a very close family and support each other in everything we do. My brother and I grew up in Volksrust. He's a third-year quantity surveying student at Kovsies as well and plays rugby for the under-21 Griquas team. My dad, from whom I've learnt to have a passion for people, is practicing medicine and my beautiful mom is a housewife in Volksrust, Mpumalanga.
What do you do in your spare time? My mom used to tell me that the more you do, the more you get done. I've always been busy – I love playing golf, exercising, going to the movies in Bloem (probably because Volksrust doesn't have a mall or movies!), reading inspirational books and listening to educational audio books.
2014 is the year in which SA celebrates its 20th year of democracy – what does that mean to you? It's another reminder of our rich cultural history, potential, power and diversity. We struggled through our obstacles, stood up after difficult times and gave hope to so many countries where equality is a struggle. This shows us that we are capable of great things and we are resilient.
What is your message to young women in South Africa? We as women have soft and sympathetic souls. We are the ones who give hope, love and comfort. Let us use those qualities.
If you could meet one person as Miss South Africa, who would it be and why? Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe. She's a trained medical doctor and has a passion for health and giving through the Motsepe Foundation. She is also the chairperson of African Fashion International (AFI) where her dream is to take young people from townships and rural areas, give them skills and show them what they can be. She is a true inspiration and an example of what a hardworking woman can achieve in South Africa.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I'm the University of the Free State's first successful test tube baby.
What are you reading? Apart from my obstetrics and surgery handbooks, I like reading inspirational books. I've recently read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
What's on your iPod? Music is the one thing that can instantly create a certain vibe. I like different music in different situations – golden oldies, country music, Bellamy Brothers, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Ben Howard, Jack Johnson, Mango Groove, Theuns Jordaan, Riana Nel, Retief Burger, Hillsong and Enya.
Your favourite TV show? Having the time to watch TV shows is rare, but when I get the chance I like watching Grey's Anatomy and Bones.
Your favourite meal? My mom's oxtail and stamp mielies. It may be because it makes me think of home and family time or simply because it's just so yummy!
Hashtag: #MissSArolene
Twitter handle: @RoleneStrauss
Facebook Page: Miss SA Rolene Strauss
YOU: You made it to the top five of Miss SA 2011. How did you deal with defeat?
Rolene Strauss: I feel like I learnt from that experience and came back stronger and more prepared.
YOU: Why medicine? Can you tell we're not big fans of blood here at YOU HQ?!
RS: Growing up with my dad as a doctor, it's something that I've always been exposed to and learnt to love!
YOU: So what scares a confident woman like you?
RS: Let's just say, I'm glad I live in South Africa, where a tsunami is not something that could happen!
YOU: @Stormersrule says: "What do you think of the new crown? I think it was made just for you.
RS: @Stormersrule I think it's beautiful – it symbolises my growth, from a closed bud to a flower in bloom
YOU: Pumps or heels?
RS:Heels: they make every woman feel more elegant & beautiful! I love the heels that @CallitSpring_SA have sponsored!
YOU: Just between us . . . what's your guilty pleasure?
RS: My guilty pleasure? Going to the movies and enjoying a large box of popcorn and Peanut Tumbles
YOU: What's your most treasured possession?
RS:A gorgeous tennis bracelet that was a gift from my family – I wore it on the evening that I was crowned
YOU: @MiekeVlok asks: "What do you do to stay in shape?"
RS: @MiekeVlok I love skipping rope – it makes me feel like a child. And you can do it anywhere – even in hotel rooms!
YOU: @iamA25j asks"The first thing u do when u get up in the morning & the last thing you do before going to bed?"
RS:@iamA25j First: picture what I want to achieve for the day. Last: appreciate what happened during that day.
YOU: Last question, just for fun: Chocolate, vanilla or strawberry?
RS: Strawberry! Makes me think of summer holidays
A.p.Zigana @ReflectSA
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