GEORGE NEWS - "Be authentic, be yourself."
This advice from the freshly crowned Miss Teen Grand International SA 2025, Liandri Lamprecht (16), will guide her all the way to Lima, Peru, where she will compete for the international crown at the end of November.
Liandri earned this title by winning the prestigious Public Choice Award at Miss Teen World SA during a glitzy event at the Wits Theatre in Johannesburg last weekend. The grand finale and crowning took place on Saturday 26 July.
Model friends of Ace Models Mossel Bay and George, her dress designer, Andreio Fick, local supporters and her family made sure Liandri receive a hearty welcome at George Airport early on Monday night, 28 July, when she and her mum, Lydia, returned home.
This young lady says she is excited about what the future holds and wants to use her title to continue with her community work - keeping girls in school every day of the month by collecting and distributing sanitary pads.
Balancing act
As a student of Danlyn Academia, Liandri credits homeschooling for giving her the space and flexibility to chase big dreams.
"Homeschooling gives me the freedom to pursue opportunities like this," she says. "But it also comes down to time management and having excellent teachers and mentors behind you. I'm incredibly lucky to have both."
Leandri says Miss Teen World SA is the best ever pageant she's entered, saying she's honoured to be part of the World South Africa Pageants (WSAP). She represents Ace Models Mossel Bay and George, where she is coached by Elani Pretorius. "I want to be a voice for girls who have been told they're too much or not enough," says Liandri. "You are allowed to chase your dreams - exactly as you are."
Leandri is excited about her trip to Peru, where she will represent South Africa along with the rest of the title holders of Miss Teen World SA. "I hope to bring that international crown home!" she says.
Former Miss Teen Grand International SA, Amber Jansen (left), and the newly crowned Liandri Lamprecht at the crowning in Johannesburg. Photo: Lydia Lamprecht
A weekend to remember
One surreal moment happened during last Friday's rehearsals, when Liandri felt something odd.
"I felt pressure on my head, like I was wearing sunglasses - but I wasn't!" she laughs. "When I was crowned the next night, I realised the beautiful, newly designed lightweight crown sits exactly like a pair of sunglasses. It felt like I had already worn it."
Another high-pressure moment came when she lost her contestant number, a vital part of the competition. "I stayed calm on the outside, but I was definitely concerned," she admits. "Thankfully, my mum found it on a table in the lobby. Someone must have picked it up in the bathroom and left it there. What a relief!"
Then came the on-stage question round - every finalist's make-or-break moment. "My question was: "What environmental topic would you discuss if you were invited to speak at the G20 Summit?'
"The only problem was ... I had no idea what the G20 was!"
Instead of guessing, she politely asked for clarification. "The director kindly explained it to me. Thankfully, I had written a school essay on plastic pollution in the ocean, so I based my answer on that."
Liandri and Elani Pretorius, director of Ace Models Mossel Bay and George. Photo: Ruan Lamprecht Photography
Her stunning evening gown, designed by Fick, made the night even more meaningful.
"Andreio prayed over every stitch of the dress, and I could feel that presence over me on stage. It gave me peace and strength in a moment that meant everything."
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