Miss SA Top 10 finalist Anarzade Omar is a courageous and compassionate woman who doesn’t take no for an answer when it involves her dreams. Her fearless outlook on life is to fall one hundred times and get back up one hundred and one times. The twenty-three-year-old Johannesburg native from Crown Gardens holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Strategic Communication in Marketing from the University of Johannesburg. Besides being a social media manager for a digital marketing agency, she is also a content creator and a self-taught sushi chef for her small online business.
As a champion for youth empowerment, Anarzade aims to improve digital literacy among the South African youth and spread a message of hope. “I choose to empower our youth because as we have all these advancements in society, many are still left behind with the lack of access to opportunities. It is society’s responsibility to create these opportunities,” shared Anarzade.
Moziak caught up with Anarzade Omar to talk about all things Miss South Africa, her pageantry journey, and her ardour for youth empowerment.
Congratulations on making it to the Top 10. How do you feel about reaching this milestone?
Anarzade: It feels incredible. It has been a long time coming as it is my third year entering, so I have worked very hard to reach this stage. I feel very proud for not giving up and keeping up the hard work.
What drew you to the world of pageantry?
Anarzade: I have witnessed how the Miss South Africa platform has changed the lives of all the women who have come across it and how it has allowed them to be catalysts for change. I want this for myself; I have so much to offer, and there is no better platform I can think of to do so.
How has your journey in this awe-inspiring competition been thus far?
Anarzade: This journey has been everything I’ve ever dreamt of and more. I can already feel the growth and confidence shining through.
What has been the most memorable moment of your journey in the pageant?
Anarzade: The two weeks we spent with the Miss SA organisation and the ladies after the Top 10 announcement were memorable. I learned through the workshops, had so much fun at the photo shoot, and met such incredible people. I feel truly blessed.
South Africa has various socio-economic issues. Which of these are you most passionate about tackling?
Anarzade: If given the opportunity, I would tackle Period Poverty. Not just through providing sustainable sanitary solutions but also through empowerment and knowledge. There is still immense stigma, embarrassment, and ignorance around periods, and this is the conversation I want to bring to the table for both women and men.
We celebrated Youth Month a few weeks ago. What lessons do you think the youth of today can learn from the resilient youth of 1976?
Anarzade: I think the biggest lesson we can learn from the youth of 1976 is to never settle for less than what we deserve. Our voices are valid. It may take some time, but change comes to those who stand up for their beliefs.
The Miss South Africa pageant is set to take place in August. What are your plans from now until then?
Anarzade: My game plan is to continue nourishing my mental, emotional, and physical health. The goal is to be the best version of myself on the night of the finale. I also plan to share as much of my heart with the rest of the country and bring change to as many lives as I can.
Anarzade aims to live out her purpose of spreading a message of love and hope to all South Africans. Her goal is to empower the youth to be a voice of change toward a more equal, educated, and empowered society.
