Beauty pageants are not just about glamour and sparkling crowns, they can be powerful platforms for change. Women like Talitha Oosthuizen show how pageants can be used for a greater purpose. As a cultural ambassador and advocate for vulnerable children, she proves that these events can help raise awareness and drive social action.
While there are valid concerns about pageantry, such as commercialisation and inclusivity, it is also important to recognise the incredible impact of those who use their influence to make a difference. Beyond the stage, they work to uplift communities, fight injustices, and create lasting change. In the journey towards progress, we must acknowledge those who are truly making a difference using their voices and platforms to build a better future.
For decades, beauty pageants have faced scrutiny for their emphasis on physical appearance, despite efforts to integrate intelligence, talent, and advocacy into their judging criteria. Critics argue that these competitions perpetuate objectification and unrealistic beauty standards, amplifying body image issues. Others contend that the commercialisation of pageantry prioritises brand partnerships over authentic advocacy and contestant empowerment. While these perspectives are valid, they often obscure the deeper realities that lie beneath the glamour the personal journeys of individuals who leverage their platforms to create meaningful change.
Talitha Oosthuizen began her modelling career at the tender age of nine, not out of a desire for glamour but as a means to overcome her struggles with confidence. What began as a personal journey of self-assurance evolved into a transformative experience that shaped the woman she is today. Throughout her career, she has encountered both triumphs and setbacks, yet her determination has propelled her to prestigious achievements, including Top 10 Finalist – Mrs Tourism International and earning her current finalist position in the Mrs South Africa competition.
Far from being constrained by commercial expectations, Talitha has used her platform to advocate for social justice. Beyond the glamour of pageantry, she is actively engaged in humanitarian work, supporting vulnerable children and combating the pervasive crime of human trafficking. Her role as a cultural ambassador, celebrating South African heritage through Shweshwe products, is just one facet of her commitment to social impact. She works closely with the Abraham Kriel Children’s Home and Little Gems Residential Care, providing support for children with disabilities and those who have been abandoned. Most critically, she has aligned herself with Shattering Shackles, an organisation dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking, ensuring that parents and children understand the dangers of exploitation.
While pageantry has been a force for empowerment, the broader modelling industry has also been exploited as a conduit for human trafficking. Traffickers often use deception, luring victims with false promises of modelling careers or acting opportunities.
In Colombia, Liliana del Carmen Campos Puello was arrested for recruiting underage girls under the guise of modelling jobs, only to force them into prostitution upon arrival. She targeted vulnerable girls from impoverished backgrounds, offering assistance with documentation and expenses to make her offers appear credible.
In Ethiopia, young women have been deceived with promises of movie roles or lucrative contracts, only to find themselves in exploitative situations. One heart-breaking case involved a girl from rural Amhara whose family sold their home to fund what they believed was a legitimate opportunity. Upon arrival in the capital, she was sexually abused by members of a fake production team; the promised film was never intended to be made.
Human trafficking remains a pressing global crisis. The International Labour Organization estimates that over 24.9 million individuals are victims of trafficking at any given time, with 16 million subjected to forced labour and 4.8 million trapped in sexual exploitation. In South Africa, trafficking has become the second-largest illicit trade after arms and drug smuggling. Alarmingly, only three organisations in the country are actively dedicated to combating human trafficking.
One of the gravest challenges of human trafficking is its unpredictability. No family is immune, and predators often strike when least expected. Given the limited resources available, individuals like Thalita have stepped forward to raise awareness, working tirelessly to protect children from exploitation. As parents and guardians, there are proactive steps we can take to safeguard our children from traffickers who disguise themselves as talent scouts or employers.
Protecting children from human trafficking requires vigilance, open communication, and proactive education. Parents should be alert to sudden behavioural changes, as trafficking victims are often coerced into silence. Warning signs may include secrecy, withdrawal, anxiety, or receiving unexplained expensive gifts. A child who suddenly forms a close relationship with an older “friend” or “mentor” and refuses to discuss them may also be at risk.
Teaching children to assert their boundaries is crucial. They should feel empowered to say no to uncomfortable requests, even when made by family members or friends. Practising role-playing scenarios can help them develop confidence in rejecting pressure and recognising unsafe situations. It is equally important to reassure them that they will never face punishment for speaking up about concerning behaviour.
Parents must also be cautious when it comes to job or modelling offers. Traffickers frequently use fraudulent employment opportunities, fake talent agencies, or modelling gigs to lure victims. Before allowing a child to engage with recruiters, it is essential to research the company thoroughly. Additionally, children should never travel alone for auditions or interviews, especially to another city, as this increases their vulnerability to exploitation. By staying informed, fostering trust, and encouraging open conversations, parents can play a significant role in safeguarding their children from human trafficking.
The fight against human trafficking is a shared responsibility. It requires collaboration between governments, organisations, and individuals to dismantle trafficking networks and create safer communities. As individuals like Talitha Oosthuizen continue to raise awareness, their work reminds us that pageantry is not merely about beauty and accolades, it can be a powerful tool for advocacy and societal change. By educating ourselves and our children, supporting anti-trafficking organisations, and remaining vigilant, we can all play a role in protecting the most vulnerable among us from falling victim to one of the world’s most insidious crimes.
