Springs beauty Bejandri Lourens to represent SA at Miss Asia Pacific
Speaking to the Springs Advertiser, Lourens described the experience as overwhelming to put into words.
'It's a mix of pride, gratitude, and responsibility. As someone from Springs, going to a global stage and representing not only my country but the town that shaped me is incredibly humbling,' she said.
'I carry my own dreams, but also those of every little girl in Springs—to remind her that where you come from does not determine where you're going.'
As she trains for the competition, Lourens is taking a holistic approach to preparation.
'To me, that means staying grounded in my faith, keeping my mind and heart in balance, and surrounding myself with people who uplift me,' she explained. 'It's not just about perfecting a walk or a speech. It's about aligning with who I am and what I want to bring to this platform.'
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She is also focusing on refining her advocacy work and building confidence.
'Professionally, I'm pouring time into growth—embracing every opportunity to learn and serve,' she added.
A strong advocate for women's and children's rights, Lourens is passionate about raising awareness around gender-based violence and empowering the next generation.
'I hope to be a voice for the voiceless and to help create safer spaces where women and children are seen, heard, and supported,' she said.
'Real change starts with awareness and is built through action. This platform gives me a chance to be part of that in a meaningful way.'
Lourens sees the crown not as the end goal, but the beginning.
'Whether it's hosting workshops, speaking at schools, or creating platforms for young women, I'm committed to building a world where every girl knows her worth and is empowered to lead.'
As South Africa marks Women's Month this August, Lourens reflected on the significance of the occasion.
'It's a powerful reminder of how far we've come—and how far we still have to go. It's a time to reflect on the strength, resilience, and courage of South African women,' she said. 'As a young woman, it inspires me to use my voice for good and to encourage others to do the same.'
She ended with a heartfelt message to girls in her community who may look up to her:
'Believe in yourself, even when it feels like no one else does. Your voice and your story matter. Don't wait for perfect—start where you are, use what you have, and stay consistent. With heart and hard work, you can achieve more than you ever imagined.'
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