For those of you that follow pageants, you will recall that back in 2003 the reigning Mrs SA, Marelize Steyn-Jacobs, was allegedly dethroned for breech of contract since she was in the process of getting divorced. Marelize had previously placed 3rd in the 1993 Miss SA pageant and was also a finalist in the 1995 Miss Universe SA pageant.Marelize, who is now Mrs Steyn-Earle, has finally broken the silence and has decided to reveal the truth about the circumstances surrounding her "dethronement". She sent me this e-mail, which definitely makes for interesting reading:
"To Whom It May Concern,
I would really love to talk to whomever is running this website. I finally feel that I'm ready to speak out, as the whole truth never came out.
I NEVER RESIGNED AS MRS SA AND TANYA BRYANT FALSIFIED INFORMATION. The pageant could not be sold as the title "Mrs South Africa" cannot be registered. Tanya could not force me to resign as Mrs SA, since firstly she stole the pageant from Ellen Roux (Beyond 2000). Tanya had entered Mrs SA a few times, but was never able to win. Secondly, the pageant never "belonged" to her, and thirdly she had to get out because she was "caught" with her hand in the cookie jar and had to try and get rid of me the best way she knew how.
I was going to get divorced from Schalk, but only at the end of my term. This was the deal both Tanya and I (with Schalk) made, in order to complete my reign, as I was already half-way through my reign. But because we discovered "fraud and theft", Tanya played dirty and I just kept quiet, until now. I want to restore my name and that of the pageant. I don't like playing dirty and I don't want to bad-mouth anybody.
I could not say anything up until now, as Tanya and I were involved in a court case (I was falsely accused & sued by Tanya), a court case which she lost with costs and did not even bother to pay the costs. The judge also ruled that if she did not pay up, I can take over the pageant!!!!! Tanya had a long list of judgements against her name and therefore it was not even viable to hand her over to the courts. So, as a matter of fact I "own" the pageant.
I tried working with Susca Watts, but at the time I was broken and had to take care of myself and my situation first. Now, after almost 9 years and working with Urma Mollema, I'm ready to stand up for the pageant again. I will work my backside off, to make this pageant a success and to restore my name. I was NEVER fired (officially or not - because Tanya did not have the right, played dirty and bad-mouthed me in the press) and I NEVER resigned as Mrs SA.
Anna Kearny never was the 1st runner-up, but Mariette Chippendale was. After the Top 3 had a meeting with Tanya and decided to stick together, we vowed to step down or walk away from Tanya, if she continued with her mad behaviour. Anna was the one who walked over to Tanya's side and completely disregarded the decision we made in the closed meeting. In other words, she wanted us out so that she could be "Mrs SA", and undeservingly so! So your website information is not up to date and I would love to set the record straight. Urma Mollema, corrected this when she took over and it is proven on the Mrs SA Website. (Please refer to www.mrssouthafrica.co.za)
I would greatly appreciate it if you could contact me asap, so we can talk about this matter and make the necessary corrections. I know most people thrive on scandal, intrigue and drama, but I don't. I just want to do what is right and and help Urma to make this pageant the success it deserves to be. This is a wonderful platform for married women and great things can be accomplished through the pageant and the beautiful women of South Africa.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards and best wishes,
Marelize Steyn-Earle"
NB. The necessary corrections will be made anon.
NB. The necessary corrections will be made anon.
