MISS GRAND
South Africa
Estèe-Mari Smit
INTRODUCTION
There’s so much more to me than the crown you see.
I’m an 18-year-old student, currently completing my matric, a lover of Latin dancing, a dreamer with big ambitions, and a young woman stepping into a future filled with purpose.
Soon, I’ll begin my journey into criminology, a field that fascinates me because I’ve always been curious about people, their stories, their choices, and what lies beneath the surface.
But beyond the titles, the stage, and the photographs, I’m passionate about something deeply personal: mental health, especially among young people. I believe every young person deserves to feel heard, supported, valued, and reminded that they don’t have to go through it alone. Through this platform, I hope to use my voice to encourage open conversations about mental health, break the stigma surrounding it, and remind the youth that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
I’m still learning. I’m still growing. I’m still discovering who I am—and I believe that’s the most beautiful part of the journey.
As I step onto this international platform representing South Africa, I want to be more than a title. I want to be a voice for those who may feel unheard, a source of encouragement for young people, and a woman who leads with compassion, courage, and purpose.
This is me, Estee-Mari Smit, Miss Grand South Africa.
Stop the War and Violence
As a young woman from South Africa, this campaign is very personal to me. For decades, our country has experienced division and conflict; however, we’ve also shown the world that healing and reconciliation are possible. To me, stopping war and violence means choosing humanity over hatred and understanding over fear.
I believe that peace begins with the way we treat one another every day. It starts when we listen, show compassion, and respect the dignity of every person, regardless of their background or beliefs.
As an 18-year-old, I’m hopeful about the future. My generation has the opportunity to build a world that is more united, more accepting, and more peaceful. I believe that when we choose kindness and stand together, we can create lasting change for future generations.
The 4Bs
The four Bs represent my values because they remind me that true success is about balance, which, personally, I would include as the 5th B.
Body — My faith has taught me that my body is a temple of God and that I should treat it with gratitude, discipline, and respect.
Beauty — To me, beauty is not only about outward appearance, but also about kindness, confidence, and the way we treat others.
Brain — Brain represents the value I place on education, continuous learning, and using my voice to make a positive impact.
Business — Business reminds me to be independent, ambitious, and purposeful in creating opportunities for myself and, as a future criminologist, to positively impact my community.
As a young woman from South Africa, these values have helped shape who I am, and they continue to guide me as I pursue my dreams on an international stage.
PASSION TO BEAUTY PAGEANT
My Passion for Beauty Pageants
My passion for beauty pageants began when I was four years old. I grew up admiring the confidence, grace, and purpose of the contestants I looked up to, and over the years, pageantry has become much more than a competition to me. It has taught me discipline, resilience, and self-confidence while encouraging me to grow into the best version of myself. Now, at 18, having the opportunity to compete on an international stage is a dream come true, and I hope to use this platform to inspire other young girls to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams with confidence.
SKILLS
I possess strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with a particular ability to communicate effectively and work well with others. My key soft skills include problem-solving, decision-making, empathy, public speaking, and presentation skills. I am also confident in taking initiative, leading others, and adapting to different situations. In addition, I have practical knowledge of first aid, which has strengthened my ability to remain calm and responsible in challenging situations. As a student, I am eager to continue developing my skills and gaining practical experience.