“Being named a top 10 finalist is already life-changing, and brings me one step closer to bringing home the crown after a decade of dedication,” says University of Pretoria (UP) alumna Lynique Odendaal, who’s in the running for the #MissWorldSA beauty pageant that will be held in October in South Africa. The pageant is the lead-up to the official crowning of Miss World at the final pageant in November in Mexico. 

“I was overwhelmed with emotion when I saw my name in the Sunday Times when the pageant was announced,” says the law graduate who obtained an LLB degree this year during UP’s autumn graduation session. “Making the Miss World South Africa top 10 list has been a lifelong dream of mine. I’ve been involved in modelling and pageantry since I was two years old, holding titles like Miss Tiny South Africa and Petite Queen of the Universe. Throughout my journey, I’ve been dedicated to community projects with organisations such as Reach for a Dream, Wet Nose and the Jacaranda Children’s Home.”

The #MissWorldSA hopeful says that if she is crowned the national winner, one of her goals would be to support children in need.

“I aim to provide essential items to children affected by homelessness, ensuring they receive the support they need. I would also like to focus on mentoring students from primary to high school, and promote safe play. I plan to collaborate with organisations to fundraise and create safe spaces where children can play and thrive, as play is crucial for their development.” 

Should she be crowned Miss World, her primary focus will be to partner with major organisations to develop innovative housing solutions for homeless individuals, as inspired by housing development projects like Empower Shack by the Urban Think Tank.

“This initiative resonates deeply with me, especially after my own experiences with housing challenges and my knowledge of law as it relates to housing,” Odendaal says.

Apart from modelling, Odendaal is a global ambassador for Theirworld, an international organisation dedicated to ending the global education crisis and unlocking the potential of the next generation.

“I’m deeply committed to advocating for the education and empowerment of young people worldwide,” she says. “My involvement with Theirworld aligns with my passion for social justice and community service. I participate in campaigns, events and discussions that highlight the critical issues affecting education today. By leveraging my platform, I strive to amplify the voices of young people, share their stories and advocate for policies that ensure that every child has access to quality education.”

Odendaal is currently running a back-a-buddy campaign where she and the other ladies are challenged to raise R20 000 towards the Miss World South Africa organisation.

More recently, Odendaal participated in the Miss World South Africa Women’s Day Summit in Johannesburg, where she and the other top nine ladies introduced their Beauty With a Purpose projects, showcasing their dedication to making a positive impact in their communities.

“The event was a great success,” Odendaal says. “The organisers aimed to bring together women from all walks of life for a day of empowerment and networking. They hoped to create a supportive and inspiring environment where attendees could connect, share experiences and build valuable relationships. Moreover, the event aimed to foster a sense of community, encourage collaboration and celebrate the achievements of women who are making a difference.”

For Odendaal, Women’s Month represents a celebration of the strength, resilience and achievements of women everywhere.

“It’s a time to honour the progress we’ve made towards gender equality and acknowledge the ongoing challenges that women face,” she says. “It’s also an opportunity to inspire future generations to continue advocating for the rights of women.”

The Pretoria-born UP alumna describes herself as someone who embodies resilience, determination and compassion, and say her upbringing was characterised by the love of her family and her faith in God.

“I am hardworking and community-oriented, leading with an empathetic heart and a passion that fuels my determination. I have a deep-seated passion for causes that are close to my heart and a commitment to serving others.”

She says UP was the only university that she applied to; thankfully, she was accepted into all three of her study options: LLB, BA Law and Music.

“It was an incredible moment,” Odendaal recalls. “And as the saying goes, Tuks of Niks!’ Choosing UP was a no-brainer. I must have read my acceptance letter 100 times to make sure it was real. That day was monumental, knowing I was the first generation in my family to be accepted to university.”

Her degree, she adds, opened several doors for her and facilitated invaluable networking opportunities with prominent companies.

“Graduating from the best law faculty in Africa significantly boosted my credentials, and there were various opportunities that the University offered for me to build up my CV, making me highly employable.”