“We are humbled and honoured to receive a gold medal for National Costume, for the third consecutive year. We pay tribute to our sponsors and those who have understood our objectives and supported our vision over the years,” said executive directors Catherine Constantinides and Ella Bella of Miss Earth South Africa.

“Vukani Fashions, which is spearheaded by Sonwabile Ndamase is ultimately the winner of this gold medal, this is his creation and artwork that depicts our nation. Congratulations to Ilze Saunders, the Miss Earth South Africa who did us proud and showcased this beautiful garment with pride and dignity.”

The Miss Earth is in its 15^th year and advocates women empowerment and leadership in the environmental sector. The objective is to show young women that they can be the difference within their communities. Saunders has been in the Philippines the past three weeks, participating in several environmental projects and working within the communities. There are approximately 100 countries competing for the International title. The National costume which represents the country of origin is judged independently. 

Ndamase explains his partnership with Miss Earth South Africa: “Our relationship is a process of appreciation of what we each do in our separate fields. A costume that represents our nation must reflect what you envision and what you perceive to represent our nation. I look for inspiration and aspiration, I listen to the soul; and then I create. I have ownership of the garment and my design, but I speak to your soul and so I create the garment.”

An artist and a philosopher of life, a designer that believes that fashion is a masterpiece, made famous by the well-known, Madiba shirts. Ndamase creates with passion and integrity. He is committed to working with, mentoring, teaching and inspiring young up and coming designers. He seeks to capture the vision which we hold in our minds and to portray messages of life through fashion. His garments are a statement. Constantinides proclaims Ndamase as “… our Gold Medallist of Fashion”.

The international theme for 2014 is Eco-tourism; the Miss Earth South Africa is proudly endorsed both by the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Department of Tourism. 

Saunders shared with her fellow delegates South Africa’s stand and objectives pertaining to Sustainable Tourism. South Africa is rich in its natural heritage; it is the third most bio-diverse country in the world. The country encompasses about 480 000 square miles and has about 10% of all plant species on Earth. The unique geography allows the country to support a diverse population of plants and animals. Eco-tourism aims to involve communities that boarder these eco diverse spaces, thus contributing to an eco-economy. The goal of Eco-tourism is to create an experience that is making a significant commitment to the culture and economies of the local communities and thus providing a positive contribution to the conservation of our biodiversity.

The Miss Earth South Africa strives to create a platform to empower young South African women to take on environmental and sustainability issues and build these young ladies to become Ambassadors for the extensive environmental, conservation and sustainable work that is done by the organisation.

Thanks goes to Cathay Pacific for having made this trip possible. “A gold medal that pays tribute to the sponsors of this initiative; without whom this would not be possible,” says Constantinides.

For more information, visit www.missearthsa.co.za. Alternatively, visit and like the Facebook page andfollow them on Twitter.