Three of Aberdeen's beauties take a bow

ABERDEEN NEWS - On Friday evening, 2 December, Miss Aberdeen and her two princesses were crowned at the first Aberdeen Model Show, hosted at the Thembalesizwe Community Hall.

Natasha Keseni was crowned Miss Aberdeen with all the expected fanfare and glamour.

Her first princess is Nikeala Leyon and second princess, Anesipho Dunjana.

The organiser, coach and hostess of the event is young and vibrant Saskia Klassen. With 14 participants and more than 150 people attending the show, Klassen is satisfied that she reached her goals and intends to make the event an annual affair.

The evening included music, various performances and modeling by the contestants - all done under the watchful eyes of three independent judges, Nelson Jansen, Jennifer Jansen and Meagan Baartman.

Each participant received a gift and the three top models received monetary prizes, but Klassen says the focus was not on prizes.

"The reason for hosting this show was to showcase that we, the youth, can overcome our insecurities that form part of our daily lives. The only way to deal with insecurities is to face them; and to realise and acknowledge everyone is uniquely beautiful and all we need is confidence. Confidence starts with oneself."

Klassen personally coached and assisted all 14 models in preparation of the show and the contestants helped putting the show together.

Miss Aberdeen, Natasha Keseni and organiser, Saskia Klassen.

"We are doing this for ourselves but also for all the people of Aberdeen, especially the youth," one of the participants said on Friday evening. Another participant said: "We need to realise that each one of us can make a difference. We all have insecurities that can prevent us from reaching our potential. But we do not need to hide just because we doubt ourselves," a third contestant said.

Klassens message to the youth of Aberdeen, and in general, is to not only grab every opportunity but to create opportunities. She says success is not only to go to university but also to graduate and to live your dreams. "Success starts with believing in oneself and to realise what you put in is what you get out."

Klassen is determined that the Miss Aberdeen show will become the showstopper of every year to come.

The judges from left are: Jennifer Jansen, Nelson Jansen and Meagan Baartman. Photo: Alex Lombaard