In the wake of Youth Day commemorations, a gathering of learners was visibly touched as the reigning Mrs South Africa Erin-Jane Miller shared a heartfelt message: “You never know what battles others are fighting.” Her recent visit to Dalpark Independent School in Benoni on Wednesday, 18th June sparked an important conversation about the difficulties facing youth in South Africa, addressing topics such as bullying and gender-based violence.
“If there’s one thing I hope youth take away from this month, it’s the importance of self-discovery, of understanding your identity, and deciding who you want to be as a person,” she said.
“I know it’s tough as a young person because you’re still in the process of figuring out who you are and what you love doing. Many times, when young people act out, it’s actually a cry for help. But that’s why it’s so essential to be gracious to one another, and to remember that everyone is facing their own struggles.”
The event, organised through the 4Change Foundation, combined fun, interactive activities with critical dialogues about the issues facing youth. Miller, accompanied by her husband and the 4Change team, created a safe environment for learners to engage in honest discussions around the challenges they are experiencing. The learners also took part in a lively performance skit with a dance, giving them the opportunity to express themselves creatively and exercise their imagination.
Speaking about bullying and violence, Miller stressed the need for systemic change. “We need to focus on addressing root causes, not just putting a plaster on the wound. It starts in the home, with the values our children are taught. We need to work on instilling more confidence among young girls, and we need more fathers and male role models to stand up and have conversations with young men about how they treat others, how they interact with women, and about their identities as men.”
Creating change through mentorship
The 4Change Foundation is an institute for transformation. By providing sustenance and mindset transformation training, they are able to uplift communities one individual at a time. Through leadership training, skills development, entrepreneurial training and opportunities they have impacted thousands of lives. Their schools program uses arts and entertainment to carry this message to the next generation and Miller has been involved in its work for over 16 years, since its inception in 2008.
The timing of the visit, just one day after Youth Day, added particular resonance to the occasion. Having grown up in the difficult environment of the Cape Flats, she emphasised the importance of supporting and mentoring youth.
“I’ve seen so many communities where kids’ options are so few. Too often, young people find it easier to fall into gangsterism, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, or crime. My own passion for this work stems from growing up in exactly those types of circumstances and wanting to help create different opportunities for youth.”
Demonstrating the foundation’s impact on learners, she shared the story of twin brothers who transformed from the school’s infamous troublemakers to becoming a teacher and navy serviceman. “You cannot deny the power of a changed life. And all it takes to change a child’s future is someone taking the time to show up for them, believing in them, and letting them know that they are seen, they are heard, and that they’re not forgotten.”
Expanding impact through Mrs South Africa
The school visit represents part of Miller’s broader mission as the reigning Mrs South Africa, a platform she’s using to amplify the 4Change Foundation’s impact. She sees her role as the Mrs South Africa as perfectly aligned with her mission of supporting and guiding youth.
“The title has opened doors we never had access to before. As a foundation that relies solely on private funding and donations, this increased visibility has connected us with key stakeholders and resources that can help expand our impact,” she explained.
“The entire Mrs South Africa platform is really about reaching more people with a meaningful message, which complements my values because it’s all about transformation. When you witness the lives being changed through Mrs South Africa, and not just the women in the programme but their families too, you immediately understand that it’s far more than a pageant.”
At present, she is involved in assisting the 4Change Foundation to expand its reach with a new initiative called ‘Elevate’, a support programme for university students that is being launched in partnership with a major tertiary institution. The Elevate programme will offer an app for vulnerable students to access additional resources and basics such as meals.
Looking ahead, she also plans to utilise her background in media and television production to amplify the foundation’s message. “My goal is to use every resource at my disposal, including my network and my media experience, to share these stories around empowering young people with a wider audience. People need to understand the real impact this work has on communities, and I would strongly encourage anyone who is able to support these types of youth programmes in whatever way they can.”
Mrs South Africa is powered by iME and is made possible by the generosity of its sponsors: iME, PR Worx, Chery Krugersdorp, Skin Renewal, Lamelle, Hirsch’s Home store,Brentoni Eyewear, BTL Aesthetics, Slimz, PKF Octagon, iStyle, Espavo Hair Design, Action Coach, Collagen Lift Paris, Catrice, Vitalefemme, Busamed, and Alvi Armani.
