Tamelyn Bock crowned Miss Wheelchair South Africa 2021

Tamelyn Geneview Bock was crowned the first Miss Wheelchair South Africa 2021 at the end of the inaugural edition of Miss Wheelchair SA pageant, held on December 2, 2021 at the Artscape Opera House, Cape Town. The beauty pageant aims to create awareness around ‘Beauty without Barriers’ and changing the perception, narrative and image of disabled women in South Africa. The 25-year-old beauty queen will represent South Africa at Miss Wheelchair World in Mexico in October 2022.

Bock, from the Northern Cape, was shocked when her name was announced. She said she was ready to take on the journey to remove barriers facing people with disabilities. She explained that she was “overjoyed to be the voice” for Miss Wheelchair South Africa.

During her victory speech, Bock stated her two favourite quotes: “Start unknown and finish unforgettable” by Misty Copeland and “Be the change you want to see in the world” by Mahatma Gandhi.

The 2021 Miss Wheelchair South Africa’s court includes Nokuthula Yonke (from the Western Cape) and Maureen Galaletsang Mokgele (from Taung) as first and second runners-up, respectively.