It is in the way she carries herself that she attracts. Tamaryn Green 23, was crowned the 60th winner of the Miss SA pageant, a position she enterred to be able to bring change to SA. She makes it clear that she is not privileged in any way.
“I have worked twice as hard to be where I am today,” says the medical student.
“It was a ‘beauty’ pageant way back. Not anymore. My goal is to inspire and educate and I want to be a role model.
“I want to use my skills to help especially children who are underprivileged. I want to help women who like myself are victimised because they look a certain way.
“Yes, I am aware that I’m beautiful and I am not apologetic about it. Everybody is beautiful. But, because I have long hair and I speak English, I was often looked down upon by many girls my age. It was as if I was privileged because I spoke English and because I’m ‘pretty’. I was seen as that girl who wants their boyfriends – but the boys were approaching me.
“I was teased about my height . But I rose above it all by developing a close relationship with God and not being nasty to anyone. I want to tell women in the same position that it’s okay to be different and to excel. We are all made in his image with our own unique strengths,” she says.
Partner
Tamaryn is not shy to reveal that she has a partner, who supports her and understands that this is her job, and he now has to wait.
“He understands I need to represent my country. We spoke about me winning and if we are meant to be together at the end of it all, we will.”
Childhood
Tamaryn describes her childhood so sweetly, and especially her parents, talking about them with pride.
“He (father) is my rock. We’re alike in so many ways and whenever I need advice I go to him. He’s my role model who taught me about his life and his struggles during apartheid. My mother is the beautiful one, the shy one who keeps the family together. She doesn’t speak too much like I do.”
“Shame, my dad will probably never retire as he has my brother to put through university still. My sister is a physiotherapist. My parents taught us to work hard and not rely on handouts. I’ve had to study through loans and bursaries and their sweat. But growing up under these circumstances have made all three of us independent and strong individuals.”
She never imagined winning the overall title. “I honestly thought I’d get the Miss [SA] World as a runner up title, but look at God.”
