Bridgetown’s Bridgette Jones aims to empower youth through sport as Miss S.A. finalist

Bridgetown’s Bridgette Jones has made it into the top 10 of the Miss South Africa pageant.

The finals are set for Saturday, October 25, at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria.

A Western Province first-team hockey player who also competes at club level in Cape Town and Dubai, Ms Jones said she wanted to use her platform to create safe spaces through sport, places where young people feel seen, supported, and inspired to dream beyond the limitations of their environment.

“I’ve seen how easily young lives can be lost to violence,” she said. “But sport can ground us, give us hope, and keep us motivated to chase our dreams. My goal is to transform community courts into hubs of safety and opportunity, where the lessons continue off the field, in classrooms and careers.”

Ms Jones grew up with a single parent and attended three primary schools—Norma Road, Regina Coeli, and Pinelands North—moving as circumstances changed. She explored every sport, as well as ballroom and ballet, to discover her passions.

She said she experienced cyberbullying despite having been friendly with the girl. She is still working through it and sought counselling to help process it.

Growing up amid crime and violence, Ms Jones said she focused on education, faith, volunteering, and acts of compassion. She turned challenges into motivation to be a positive voice for change in her community.

Ms Jones said she was passionate about youth development on the Cape Flats, where she grew up. She wants to partner with schools, community leaders, and organisations to deliver programs that combine sport, mentorship, and skills development.

“By creating spaces where young people can learn and grow, we can shift the narrative from survival to possibility,” she said.

Her journey has been deeply personal, she said, balancing a demanding career while pursuing this dream. She has also faced the loss of her grandmother, Frances Elizabeth Lakay, on Thursday, October 9, who she described as her anchor.

“There are moments of grief and doubt, but this is bigger than me. Having a purpose with community support makes it all worthwhile,” Bridgette said.

Her mother, Dominique Jones, has been her safe space throughout, reminding her that purpose matters more than perfection, she said. From cyberbullying to loss, Ms Jones has navigated challenges while staying true to her vision.

Dominique said, “Faith, humility, and service have shaped her into a compassionate, confident young woman who lifts others.”

Ms Jones said her preparation focuses on purpose over perfection. She wants to step onto the Miss SA stage as her authentic self — for her community and every young person watching.

To vote, download the Miss SA App from the App Store or Google Play. Register and search for Bridgette Jones. Voting closes Thursday, October 24, at 6 pm. You can also watch the finals on DSTV, Mzansi Magic channel on Saturday, October 25.