Two Kewtown sisters were both crowned queens in a beauty contest that is all about making a difference.
Angelique, 21, and Tarryn Hendricks, 16, were crowned Miss Cape Town and Teen Miss Cape Town on Saturday May 19 at the Cullinan Hotel in Cape Town. The judges had no idea that the pair were siblings.
It was Angelique who initially entered the contest, which was hosted by a non-profit organisation called RoleModels Foundation. The organisation assists children from underprivileged areas.
“I learnt about the contest on the internet. When I read about what the organisation does, I decided to enter, because their vision is close to my heart – to help children in the community,” she said.
Her crowning means that her “real work” starts now, Angelique added.
“It’s not just about getting the crown. I need to get my hands dirty now. My work in the community starts now.”
Angelique is an administrator in the police forensics department, and is studying Environmental Management through the University of South Africa (Unisa). She is also the worship team leader at the Calvary Baptist Mission SA, and is part of a band called Unshakable Movement. The band ministers to the youth.
During her year of reign, she will be supporting the RoleModels Foundation by raising funds for their projects.
She had her first public appearance on Friday May 25 when she had to convince a corporate to “buy into the project” and support it with donations.
“I am proud to be a Cape Town representative in the biggest war that is raging in South Africa. No, it is not only to save water, it is the war against poverty. Coming from a disadvantaged background myself, I am proud to call myself one of the leading warriors in this battle,” Angelique said.
Tarryn entered the beauty contest almost “by default”. When Angelique had to go for an interview, which was part of the conditions for the contest, Tarryn accompanied her, and when one of the organisers saw her, she was encouraged to enter the contest as well.
Tarryn is a Grade 11 pupil at Groote Schuur High School. She volunteers at Woodside Special Care Centre where she cares for people with disabilities by washing their hair and doing their nails. She also volunteers at the Christine Revell Children’s Home.
Their mother, Lydia Hendricks, said the children from the community often knock on their door asking for the sisters, as they know they will get something to eat from them.
“I want to make a difference and use my influence to positively guide young children. I have not figured out what I would like to do after completing my matric, but I know I would like to work with children. I am planning to take a gap year to be an au pair,” Tarryn said.
The RoleModels Foundation is active in seven of the nine provinces and supports:
Imfundo Educare project, which is focused on initiating and sustaining educare facilities in informal settlements.
Asante Neo Life project, which focuses on supporting single mothers and abused women and children in impoverished communities.
Through this project RoleModels Foundation distributes food parcels to single mothers and abused women, and provides emergency assistance to rape victims and sanitary assistance to school-going girls.
Thamakhulu project, which provides assistance to senior citizens in informal settlements by improving the structures they stay in and by handing out regular food parcels. The organisation is one of 12 nationally that uses initiatives like Tekkie Tax Day, which was held on Friday May 25, to raise funds. All the proceeds of this campaign will be divided between 264 organisations.
Last year the Tekkie Tax campaign raised more than R8 million.
RoleModels Foundation ranked third in sales in South Africa.