Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Miss CPUT Bellville, Pauline Marere, will soon be jetting off to Seoul, South Korea to participate in the World Miss University pageant.

Pauline will join other beauties from universities worldwide later in November for a month-long stay in South Korea and Cambodia. Before winning Miss CPUT in September, Pauline was voted the “People’s Choice” in the Miss Universities SA competition. The winner in that pageant has not been chosen yet, but fortunately her participation in the international competition is not dependent on her winning the national crown.

Originally from Zimbabwe, this third-year Electrical Engineering student, was delighted when her application to enter the 28^th edition of World Miss University was successful. “I was encouraged to enter the competition by my mentor and friend, Sibonginkosi Hove, and couldn’t believe it when I was accepted,” says Pauline.

Pauline met Sibonginkosi, a fellow Zimbabwean who was first princess to the World Miss University in 2014, through her cousin two years ago. They have maintained contact despite Pauline living in Cape Town and Sibonginkosi in Harare. “Sinbonginkosi is an inspiration, who always tells me to not to neglect my studies. She studied Marketing in Zim and won an academic prize for the best student at her university in the same year as participating in the pageant,” adds Pauline.

In the month overseas, Pauline will participate in international charity drives and will get trained in make-up and beauty. Participates must bring their own wardrobe and this is the area in which she needs help. She is currently looking for a clothing sponsor.

Her dream is to graduate next year, to be crowned Miss Zimbabwe, which will see her qualify for the Miss World competition.

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