Cindy Nell Roberts (born 1 October 1981 in Pretoria, South Africa), professionally known as Cindy Nell, is a South African model, television presenter, entrepreneur, and former beauty queen. She was crowned Miss South Africa 2002 and later represented her country at the Miss Universe 2003 competition, where she finished third behind Mariángel Ruiz of Venezuela and winner Amelia Vega of the Dominican Republic.
Nell was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and grew up moving around the country with her parents. From a young age she was involved in modelling and stage performance, attending finishing and modelling schools before launching her professional career.[1]
Pageantry
Throughout her pageant career, Nell won more than 75 titles. In 2002 she was crowned Miss South Africa, earning the opportunity to represent her country at the Miss Universe 2003 competition, where she achieved one of South Africa’s best-ever placements by finishing third overall.[2] Later that year she also competed in Miss World 2003.
Modelling and early media work
Following her pageant success, Nell began a modelling career, appearing on more than 80 magazine covers including FHM, Living & Loving, Huisgenoot, and Finesse, and collaborating with numerous fashion and lifestyle brands.[3]
Television and podcast hosting
After her reign as Miss South Africa, Nell transitioned into television, becoming a presenter for the Afrikaans lifestyle programme Pasella on SABC 2 and hosting the Miss South Africa pageant broadcast.[4]
She appeared as a contestant on Survivor South Africa: Santa Carolina and Strictly Come Dancing (SA), and presented several other television programmes including Woza Lunchtime on SuperSport during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and The Wedding Bashers on M-Net.[5] In 2025 she launched the Afrikaans television talk show Mooi Praatjies, focused on beauty, wellness, and cultural conversations.[6]
She also co-hosts the Beauty Talk podcast and vodcast with actress Denise Zimba, discussing beauty trends, personal image, and empowerment within the cosmetics industry.[7]
Business and entrepreneurship
In 2002 Nell founded the modelling and promotions agency CN Excellence Promotions, and in 2009 she published The Model and Pageant Guide, a handbook for aspiring models and pageant contestants.[8]
She later joined the cosmetics company Cosmetix (Pty) Ltd, serving first as Marketing Manager and later as Chief Executive Officer. Under her leadership, Cosmetix introduced international beauty brands such as essence, Catrice, and Caribbeantan to the South African market.[9]
After building these into leading names in their categories, Nell sold her stake in Cosmetix in 2023. That same year, she and her husband established Good Clean Beauty Co. in Melbourne, Australia — a company focused on clean, cruelty-free beauty and on expanding the essence and Catrice brands throughout Australia.[10]
Ace Models International
Nell is Co-owner and Development Director of Ace Models International, one of the largest modelling academy networks in South Africa, with more than 30 academies operating worldwide.[11] The organisation partners with agencies including ICE Models and SM GAPA Models, providing development and career training for aspiring models, presenters, and performers.
Philanthropy and advocacy
Nell founded the non-profit organisation Women4Women, which offered life-skills programmes, education, and menstrual-health support to under-resourced women and girls in South Africa.[12] Although the foundation ceased operating in 2023, Nell continues philanthropic work independently, focusing on female empowerment and mentorship through education and community involvement.
Personal life
Nell is married (surname Roberts) and has two children, Ethan and Aenea.[13] In 2024 she relocated with her family to Melbourne, Australia, where she continues to manage her international business interests and advocacy projects.[14]
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