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18 March 2022 | Story Nonkululeko Nxumalo | Photo Supplied
Uyleta Nel-Marais
Mrs Universe SA 2022, Uyleta Nel-Marais.


Uyleta Nel-Marais, a former Law student from the University of the Free State (UFS), has been crowned Mrs Universe South Africa 2022 and will be representing SA at the Mrs Universe finals to be held in South Korea in April 2023.

With the aim of inspiring and empowering married and divorced women, crowning for the pageant took place in Pretoria last month. “I cried so much when I heard my name announced as the winner. The first thing I did was wave to my family; their support has been incredible and so important to me on this journey,” she said.

Nel-Marais, who graduated from the UFS in 2015, is the founder of the One Nation: Our Women and Children against Gender-Based Violence initiative, a practising attorney, and director at a law firm in Bloemfontein. When asked how she balances her work and modelling, Nel-Marais emphasised organisation and prioritisation. “You have to plan your week ahead, while also leaving that space open for anything unexpected. Be flexible and organise your time as far as possible.”


Modelling journey

Nel-Marais has never given modelling a thought before. “I was too busy studying,” she laughed. Her journey started in 2019 when she was invited to walk at a fashion show in Boksburg. She later walked the runway during New York Fashion Week in 2020 and took part in Top Model (now known as Opulent Models) that same year. “Modelling wasn’t something I planned, it just happened, and things picked up so quickly,” she stated.

Why she entered Mrs Universe SA

“I enjoy being on the ramp, it’s one of my favourite things to do. My heart has also always been with charities, even before the crown. With this pageant, I saw an opportunity to be on the ramp and make a difference. Why not, I thought. Mrs Universe SA’s biggest aim is to fight gender-based violence, so I knew that this was definitely for me,” she highlighted.

When asked what she would say to that woman who dreams of wearing the Mrs Universe SA crown one day, she replied: “Just do it! Take the chance and just do it. Life is short,” she said. “With COVID, we’ve seen how things can change in the blink of an eye. Stop doubting yourself, grab that opportunity and just do it. What do you have to lose?”

The beauty, who hails from Cradock in the Eastern Cape, hopes to inspire others to believe that they can be anything they want to be through hard work, tenacity, and determination.

Nel-Marais is part of a long list of UFS students who have represented the country in beauty pageants. In 2014, former UFS student Rolene Strauss was crowned Miss World during the international pageant held in the UK, and Thato Mosehle, another alumna, was runner-up in the Miss Supranational pageant held in Poland in 2021.


News Archive

Ferial Haffajee among graduates at Summer Graduation
2016-12-02

Description: Summer graduation Tags: Summer graduation 

A total of 124 master’s, 37 doctoral degrees, and
464 undergraduate degrees are conferred on students from
all seven faculties during the Summer Graduations.
Photo: Johan Roux

Graduation is a time to celebrate and to reap the fruits of hard work. The journalist Ferial Haffajee (Humanities) will be among the 124 master’s and 37 doctoral students receiving their qualifications in all seven faculties at the Summer Graduation of the University of the Free State (UFS). At the ceremonies on 8 December 2016 in the Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus, the university will also confer 264 Education qualifications to students from its South Campus, as well as 200 undergraduate degrees in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Haffajee joins likes of Tutu and others

Haffajee, a renowned newspaper editor whose expertise has made her one of the most prominent journalists in South Africa, will receive an honorary doctorate at the morning ceremony. Until recently she was the editor-in-chief of City Press newspaper. She joins the likes of Desmond Tutu, and others who have received honorary doctorates at the UFS.

Earlier this year, four distinguished individuals also received honorary doctorates from the university. They were Max du Preez, Trevor Manuel, Prof Joel Samoff, and Dr Reuel Jethro Khoza. The Summer Graduation once again promises to deliver the cream of academic excellence.

Dr Rakometsi to address UFS graduates

The guest speaker at both ceremonies is Dr Mafu Rakometsi, Chief Executive Officer of Umalusi. Dr Rakometsi also serves on the board of the Council of Higher Education. He is deeply committed to see the South African education system function at an optimum level in order to give all children equal educational opportunities.

Master’s and Doctoral degrees: All faculties

Date: 8 December 2016
Place: Callie Human Centre, Bloemfontein Campus
Time: 09:00

Education qualifications – South Campus, as well as undergraduate degrees in the Faculty of Health Sciences
Date: 8 December 2016
Place: Callie Human Centre, Bloemfontein Campus
Time: 14:30

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