"It was SARIE’s 2020 slogan '#JyIsGenoeg' that convinced me to enter. This competition celebrates uniqueness," says Robinson.

According to the magazine, this was Robinson's second attempt at the competition, after not reaching the final rounds five years ago.

Michélle van Breda, SARIE's editor in chief, says, "Robinson just has that special sparkle. You simply cannot stop looking. Her energy is contagious and we're a huge fan of that short hair! We love her. Our readers will love her."

According to the winner, 2020 has been a big year for her. She quit her teaching job to pursue her dream of becoming an image consultant. "I guess my decision makes no sense! Who starts a business amidst a pandemic?" Robinson adds.

"2020 was a year like no other for magazines," van Breda says. "But we were determined to go through with the 10th year of our flagship competition and do it smaller but in style."

"Robinson's win speaks of similar determination. Reading her story, one realises she has known hardship but has persisted. She's resilient, just never gives up and I love that about South African women and SARIE readers specifically," van Breda concludes.

Due to lockdown, this was the first year in which the top 10 finalists were photographed in both Cape Town and Johannesburg and mostly got to know each other and the SARIE team via WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams. The journey was documented on social media. 

Nicqie Robinson is the 12th SARIE Voorbladgesig winner. Two women shared the title both in 2016 and 2017. Apart from featuring on the cover of SARIE’s festive issue, she receives gifts from wellness and skincare training institution Isa Carstens Academy and professional haircare company INOAR.

In celebration of the competition's 10th year, she also receives R10 000 from Afrikaans.com. SARIE Voorbladgesig 2020 was made possible by the Isa Carstens Academy and INOAR.

For more information, visit www.netwerk24.com. You can also follow SARIE magazine on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.