Figures model following in her ouma’s footsteps
Monique dreams of becoming Miss South Africa someday
MISS Alberton of 1979, Irene de Groot (58) is the proud grandmother of Figures model Monique Pestana (10), who wishes to be just like her beautiful ouma when she grows up.
Monique is a kind, blonde fifth grader who started modelling for Figures when she was in Grade Two.
“She used to be extremely shy until she started modelling. Now she loves the crowd and parading for them on the catwalk,” says her mom, Jannelene Bezuidenhout. She adds that Monique dreams of becoming Miss South Africa someday.
Monique has also been dancing at Studio 55 for two years. She is a real rambunctious girl – her hobbies include playing netball and having fun with her dogs.
Monique has a deep love for animals and babies and dreams of becoming a paediatrician when she grows up. She has done plenty of charity work, including raising funds and dog food for the Alberton SPCA, donating Christmas gifts to Resthaven Children’s Home, Door of Hope and Pantry in Need, and collecting clothes for Amcare and several other charities, as well as raising funds for the CPF.
Irene was crowned Miss Alberton in 1979, when she was 20 years old. She has been a resident of Alberton since she was 19 years old and is now happily retired.
Monique must have gotten her love for dancing from her grandmother, as Irene also enjoys dancing in her free time. She also spends plenty of her free hours keeping the garden looking pristine and bonding with her family.
“I want to be just like my ouma someday,” says Monique as Irene stands next to her.
With a proud, loving smile, Irene says: “I am so lucky to have a granddaughter whose heart is as beautiful as she is on the outside.”
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