She’s got the crown; now find out what Miss SA 2012 Marilyn Ramos has planned for her reign! We chatted to Marilyn about her mission statement, her love for the elderly and whether or not there’s a special someone in her life…

So first things first…congratulations! How have the last few days been?

I’m still so overwhelmed. I’ve been so busy, but I know I’m so incredibly blessed. I’m very excited for the year ahead.

Did you manage to celebrate your win on the night of your crowing?

Yes! Sun international had arranged one of the suites at The Palace for me. My parents and other family members who were all there at the pageant came to join me. I also had four or five of my closest friends over. We sat in the jacuzzi in our bikinis and got to really enjoy the moment.

Tell us a bit about your family…

I’ve got one brother who’s a year younger than me. We’re quite close because of the small age gap between us. After school I moved from Klerksdorp to Pretoria and now he’s moved here as well. Coming from a small town family – we had quite a close upbringing, we’re pretty close knit. During the pageant process my whole family were very supportive. I think that their emotions on the evening were just as strong as mine – if not more so!

What’s going to happen to your studies now that you’re Miss SA?

I’ve got two years left of my Interior Architecture degree. I think Sun International will be keeping me too busy for studies though so for now I’ve put my studies on hold. I’d love to complete my degree after my reign.

What are your plans for your reign?

I’m very excited for everything that lies ahead. I’ve already been approached by M-Net Cares to get involved with all their initiatives and I’m so excited for that. At the beginning of the competition we each had to bring forward our statement of intent if we were to win. Mine was all about placing focus on building the relationship between the elderly and the youth. There’s so much to learn from the elderly, they’ve got all the experience, wisdom and knowledge.

It’s a really wonderful choice. People so often forget about the elderly…

It’s true! Don’t get me wrong, my heart lies with kids as well but I feel that the elderly deserve more respect than what we currently give them. We really do neglect them.

What’s your relationship like with your grandparents?

I’ve got one grandmother left. I recently lost my other grandmother – my mom’s mom – about two months ago to cancer. So it’s still a sensitive subject. It’s difficult but I know she would have been very proud of me.

What was the best piece of advice you received throughout the pageant process?

Right from the start, every time a previous Miss SA would talk to us, their key message was to just remain ourselves. I personally think that is the essence of the whole pageant – no one wants a Miss SA like the one before. You want someone who’s new, someone who can contribute something new and different to the title.

What is the one core value that you’ll be brining to the title?

I would like to be remembered for always being humble.  I’d also like to highlight the importance of what it means to be a lady; I’d like that to be portrayed through everything I do. We forget the impact that we as women have on the community – that soft and nurturing touch.

Who’s your favourite past Miss SA?

It’s hard for me to single out just one. Each of them contributed something new to the title. I haven’t seen anyone as beautiful as Melinda bam, her beauty is simply radiant! If you look at Nicole Flint, she has such a warm and outgoing personality, you can’t help but just enjoy her presence. You also really have to admire past Miss SA’s like Cindy Nell, Sonia Raciti, Aunty Lorna Potgieter and Jo-Ann Strauss – they all continued to grow beyond their title.

We just have to ask this! Are you currently seeing anybody?

Well…I’ve been seeing my first love for the past five years but at the moment we aren’t together. However I think he’ll always stay very close to my heart. So we’ll have to see what happens.

Well we’ll be keeping an eye out that’s for sure!
Yes definitely! (Laughs)
Image via Gallo Images/Foto24/Brendan Croft