Mahlatse Modila
Newly crowned Miss Limpopo 2011 Katryn Barwise is an old hand when it comes to beauty pageants and musical perfomances.
From entering the Little Miss Letaba Show at age 9 to being crowned Miss Limpopo Teen 2008 at 18, Barwise is a true example of hard work and dedication. She is today involved in various charity projects in all corners of the province, runs her own website, has three albums out and runs her own modelling agency called Limpopo Beauty and Modelling Academy.
"I have been organising Miss Letaba Show from 2008 until 2010 after I realised that the pageant’s name was going down. I decided to help because the competition has been of great help to me and I want others to take part in it like I did," she said.
Born and raised in Tzaneen, the former Merensky High School learner plans on taking her music to a national level and spends most of her time in and out of meetings as well as helping the needy. She takes charitable projects as her inspiration to keep going. "I love putting a smile on somebody’s face. It motivates me to try and do better and be better at what I do. It is the most rewarding gift a person can ever wish for. I give motivational talks to learners in different schools because I believe everything starts with education and small things like that always contribute more to change," added Barwise.
During her year of reign, Barwise says she is aiming at building a centre for children at Tsoga o itirele Foundation in Lebowakgomo which accommodates close to 50 children, as well as encourage sustainability by working on projects that will leave a mark after her year of reign. "I don’t want to do things that will be forgotten. The centre I want to establish will be there for years to come. We have managed to get a stand and drew a plan for the centre; all that is needed is to build. I want to be remembered for doing things that leave a mark in people’s lives," Barwise pointed out.
Barwise is organising a book club with all the Miss Limpopo finalists to encourage reading in the province. The project is set to get off the ground early next year and all readings will be recorded and given to the blind.
Using her creativity and bubbly personality she also lives by her motto "believe what you can become and become what you believe but most of all reach for the stars". She began working on big projects during her reign as Miss Limpopo Teen in 2008 where she worked on giving children in homes an opportunity to be social. "I go out to homes and ask them what they need. When they tell me I go the extra mile to get sponsors for that."
She is currently studying Business Management with Unisa and has added Tourism Management to her subjects. She also regards winning Miss Limpopo as a privilege and a dream come true and will continue encouraging young girls to enter through her modelling agency. "I am honoured because when you are Miss Limpopo you get to represent the province and help people. It makes it easier to get sponsors for all projects I am involved with and I love Limpopo, I don’t plan on going anywhere else. I believe in making a difference and encouraging the youth to work hard in everything they do. This is a platform for me to help people but I still say that you don’t have to be Miss Limpopo to help others," Barwise concluded.