Inmates maintain the garden which aids both their rehabilitation and gives them a skill while the produce feeds previously disadvantaged learners at a nearby school.

Beauty with a Purpose is registered charity and a non-profit organisation associated with Miss World. It raises money and participates in humanitarian projects across the globe.
On Mandela Day (18 July) 2014, Strauss planted a vegetable garden which was started by Miss South Africa license holders Sun International, in collaboration with the Department of Justice and Correctional Services.

It proved highly successful with the produce donated to nearby Leeuwkop Primary School which is then able to provide its learners with healthy and nutritious meals.

Says Strauss: “I was thrilled to see how well the project has done and what a difference it has made to many people – from the people involved in planting and havesting the garden to all those who benefited from what was grown.

“This project will not only ‘give’ individuals fish, but teach them how to fish. Health, quality education and energy to work hard and reach your dreams are the fruits of balanced and good nutrition,” says Strauss who was a medical student before being crowned Miss World.

Nancy Ncube, Group manager of Socio-Economic Development at Sun International, added: “This is an on-going project that is providing nutritious meals all year round. To date we have harvested more than one ton of vegetables.”

Strauss’ visit to South Africa will also focus on Sun Star, which is a Sun International programme which shines a beacon of hope on disadvantaged communities.

Since she won the Miss World title in London in December, Strauss has been engaged in a number of whirlwind trips to countries such as China, India, the Philippines, the Caribbean, Australia and South America.

Ofentse Morwane, Communications Head, Gauteng of The Department of Correctional Services, says that they appreciate these kinds of partnerships as they help with the department’s own rehabilitation programmes.