Ilze Saunders, the current Miss Earth South Africa, and executive director Catherine Constantinides accompanied the minister of environmental affairs to the UNFCCC COP 20.

The organisation has been acknowledged and recognised by leaders in the environmental space, both nationally and internationally. This has allowed for a greater scope and awareness. This initiative aims to develop young environmentalists who are trying to make a difference in South Africa and abroad.

Ella Bella and Catherine Constantinides are the founders of the Miss Earth South Africa leadership programme, where they inspire and encourage young women around South Africa to get involved and do their bit for people and planet. They often say, “It starts with us and as women we are the movers and shakers of communities, so it’s up to us to shake things up and get people thinking about ways in which they can help Mother Earth. When we look after Mother Earth she is then able to sustain and look after us.”

Wednesday, 8 April is the closing date for 2015 applications; with national castings taking place thereafter. Castings roll out in the Free State from Saturday, 11 to Sunday 12, April and then move onto Johannesburg from Saturday, 18 to Sunday, 19 April. The Earth team then moves to the Western Cape from Friday, 24 to Saturday, 25 April. Lastly the castings will go to Durban from Friday, 1 to Sunday, 3 May.

The castings are conducted as interviews and workshop sessions where each applicant is exposed to issues and challenges that the environmental sector is faced with, and how it impacts on one's day-to-day living. A project day is scheduled for each region, so that the participants are able to engage with the community and make a direct impact. Each lady goes away having grown, having learnt and seeing that they can make a difference. They are exposed to topics pertaining to climate change, energy efficiency, water as a resource, recycling and the broader scope of environmental education. 

The search is on for the new Green Glam Queen. Join the initiative and help communities to change behaviour and mind-sets for the betterment of the environment and for a more sustainable future. 

Imperial Toyota, Tsogo Sun, Cathay Pacific and Newsclip are on board for the 2015 campaign, ensuring that the young women have a successful and fruitful year ahead. Baobab Oil and Eco Products will form part of the workshops, along with Beauty without Cruelty programme, Healing Earth, Valpre Spring Water and Bijan Hair Boutique.

The programme is endorsed by the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Department of Tourism. The initiatives are run alongside municipalities and corporates that are seeking to impact the communities around them, whilst inputting and growing these young women; that carry the green message forward.

For more information, please visit the Miss Earth South Africa website, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.