Miss South Africa 2018

2018 Miss SA Finalists

Following a nationwide search that saw the regional judges travelling to all corners of South Africa, the top 12 finalists have been selected. The lucky lady that will be crowned at the end of this month will be the 60^th winner. That’s right, the prestigious competition is celebrating its 60^th year. With the impeccable achievements of being able to win Miss World in 2014 and a Miss Universe in 2017, the Miss South Africa Organization is on a mission to regain the status of "pageant powerhouse" at the international stage. Hoping to follow in those footsteps are 12 dynamic young women who are beautiful and unique in their own right. The geographical representation of the finalists are as follows:

·         KwaZulu/Natal: 2

·         Eastern Cape: 2

·         Western Cape: 2

·         Gauteng: 4

·         Free State: 1

·         Mpumalanga: 1

The finalists are as diverse as the country they want to represent with interesting career aspirations. Amongst this group are aspiring doctors, conveyancer, business owner and a model. As if that was not enough, one of them is neuroscientist pursuing her masters.

 

Time Square

For the last 26 years, South Africa’s most glamourous woman has been crowned at Sun International’s Sun City resort. This year the venue has shifted to the nation’s capital. Miss South Africa 2018 is set to be staged at the brand-new Time Square Sun Arena in Pretoria. The country’s leading media personality and Cell C ambassador, Bonang Matheba will host the live 2-hour event. The reigning Miss South Africa, Ade van Heerdan will pass on Entle to the new winner at the conclusion of the live telecast. Ade, who is a medical doctor by profession, assumed the crown when the then Miss South Africa, Demi Leigh Nel Peters was crowned Miss Universe last November.

Entle - Official Miss SA crown

Making big news this year is that at the end of the pageant, the final two will be awarded titles – Miss Universe South Africa and Miss World South Africa, one of whom will be Miss South Africa 2018. Speaking to Werner Wessels, the pageant’s Creative Director, he expressed enthusiasm towards the new developments: “We are implementing some changes all for the positive. I think we are excited that we will have two representatives being chosen on the evening for the international pageants. This will give us a clear sense of direction when it comes to the international competitions.” To ensure the finalists are suitably prepared for the road ahead, Sun International and Cell C initiated Woman360, which is a woman-themed drive to cater for the overall well-being of a woman. Woman360 was headlined with key note speakers at each of the regional judging around the country. For the last 3 weeks, the finalists have also gone through several workshops. This ensures that the finalists are empowered and take advantage of this platform, even possibly advancing their individual careers.

Speaking of individuality, Mr Wessels went on to say, “We are putting a lot of focus on each girl’s individuality and her own thoughts and opinions.” 
The 60th Diamond Jubilee event, which will be televised live and simulcast on M-Net and Mzansi Magic on May 27^th at 17:00.

Ticket for this year’s pageant are on sale at TicketPro.

Miss South Africa is proudly presented by Cell C and Sun International.

 Images: Bonang Matheba, Sun International

And the winner is...

 

Just a few hours ago, 4th year student of medicine Rolene Strauss was crowned Miss South Africa 2014. The gorgeous 21 year old University of Free State student walks away with an amazing prize package to the value of more than R1.5 million. Rolene will now represent South Africa at the 2014 Miss Universe pageant. The new Miss South Africa was crowned with a specially designed new crown made by Anglo Gold.

The title of first runner up went to Eastern Cape's Ziphozakhe Zokufa whilst Matlala Mokoko from Limpompo was crowned 2nd runner up.

The spectacular final was staged at the Sun City Superbowl. Performances by SAMA nominated group MiCasa and Bucie added a dynamic entertainment value to the show. The show was put together so nicely. Loved the live orchestra and the music for each segment. The camera work showcased the finalists and the use of the huge screen at the back of the stage was brilliant.

Congratulations to Rolene. Bring on Miss Universe!!! 

Miss South Africa 2014 - The Final Stretch

South Africa's Finest

In less than a week South Africa’s most glamorous woman will be crowned. 12 absolutely stunning finalists are currently at Sun City preparing for the big night. It has not been an easy road to get to the finals as these finalists have been subjected to gruelling judging from 3 very famous judges. Anele Mdoda, DJ Black Coffee and Pnins Fenster sifted through thousands of entries to give us these 12 finalists. The girls are indeed the finest of the country’s crop. They come from all over the breadth and length of our rainbow nation. Not only are they easy on the eye, but they are also accomplished .These judges were so on point with the judging thus giving us what many consider the best Miss South Africa line up in a long time. This year was not without some controversy though. DJ Black Coffee had to give up his judge’s seat, following the “discovery” that one of the semi-finalists is his half step sister.

 

In a country like South Africa where our recent history still echoes in the hearts and minds of many, finding one woman who is truly an embodiment of what South Africa is all about is no walk through the park. It has always been my wish that politics remain outside of the judging of this event. If anything 20 years of democracy has taught us that the race issue has become almost irrelevant. The best woman, with the right emotional intelligence, irrespective of her ethnicity, MUST win. Having said, looking at the past title holders, one can certainly identify a common denominator amongst them. National pride and love for the nation has been an intangible factor that all winners of Miss South Africa possess. At the end of the day this is a beauty pageant and the woman who wins has to be someone that commands attention.  People must immediately notice her when she enters the room and must be a fierce competitor at the international pageant(s). She also needs to strike a balance between being beautiful and still be able to draw people towards her because of her warmth. 

Melinda Bam being called into the top 10 at Miss Universe 2012

 

The glamorous Miss South Africa 2014 final is to take place this coming Sunday March 30^th at the Sun City Superbowl. The organisers promise a show like no other. Sun International recently hired Miss South Africa 2011 Melinda Bam as the Executive National Director for the pageant. A very wise move and the results are already noticeable.  The blonde bombshell, who made the top 10 at the 2012 Miss Universe pageant, has been hard at work. Miss South Africa brand is stronger than ever.  One of the country’s telecommunications giant, Cell C, is the new presenting sponsor. Media coverage has been adequate. The Road to Miss South Africa show which is aired on Mzansi Magic has gotten viewers glued to their screens as the finalists have been put through several interesting challenges. The official Miss South Africa website has been a delight to visit. It is updated with amazing content and up to date information - everything from expert opinion on what to expect as a Miss SA competitor, a commentary provided by the reigning Miss South Africa Marilyn Ramos, Miss South Africa 2010 Bokang Montjane and Miss South Africa 2011 Melinda Bam,  to include detailed finalists profiles.  Making this year’s judging panel an extremely powerful one is the addition of Bonang Matheba, Amy Kleinhans Curd and Kojo Baffoe as judges. Kudos to Melinda and her team.

 

 

So who do I think will win Miss South Africa 2014? I have been tossing and turning on this one. Honestly I believe the competition is between two outstanding competitors – Ronele Strauss and Ziphozakhe Zokufa. They have been going head to head from the commencement of this year’s pageant. These two have been so popular that it has caused a public outcry for two titles to be awarded this year – Miss Universe South Africa and Miss World South Africa. Unfortunately this is no easy feat and Sun International has the responsibility to both MUO and MWO. So I don’t see this happening. If there is any justice in this world, one of these fine women should be Miss South Africa. My heart breaks knowing that there will only be one  winner. I hope the judges will challenge them so that they dig deep within themselves and find that essence of why they want to be Miss South Africa.

Ziphozakhe is such a rare find. Her undeniable beauty is something to be cherished. She is well spoken, outgoing and has one of the most unbelievable voices. You can’t help but listen and pay attention when she speaks.  She is such a breath of fresh air. She is unique, unrehearsed and she seems to have this effortless aura about her. She is gorgeous, classy and tall and can easily make top 5 both at Miss World and Miss Universe.

Rolene Strauss returns to fight for the crown from her first attempt back in 2011 where she made top 5. The improvement this girl has made from then till now is remarkable. She is drop dead gorgeous. You can take her right now, send her to Miss Universe and she will make waves. She is smart, has an amazing body, glamorous and witty. It’s almost as if she doesn’t have to try hard to be noticed. Rolene is a complete package. If she wins, I’d be just as delighted. She has everything it takes to win South Africa its 2^nd Miss Universe crown.

 

The judges certainly have work cut out for them. I wish them the best of luck as they make this almost impossible decision. The quality of this year’s finalists is outstanding.  Miksha, Jade, Matlala and Tshegofatso might sneak in and take it all too. It is not over until Price Water house Coopers has adjudicated the results J I wish all the finalists the best of luck. May the best girl win!!!

Images courtesy of Miss SAO and MUO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mirror mirror....on the wall....Who's fairest of them all?

 

 

 

Miss Universe 2012 was recently held in Las Vegas and attracted a bevy of 89 beauties from all corners of the world. The contestants participated in a variety of pre-pageant events which included the The Presentation Show. Here the 89 contestants are judged by a separate panel of judges to narrow down the field to the top 15 semi-finalists. The 16th spot in the semi finals is for the most popular contestant. She is voted in by the public.

 

Top 5



The show was hosted by Andy Cohen from Bravo and E!'s Giuliana Rancic. Amongst the judges were Scott Disick, Jimena Navarette and Lisa Vanderpump.

 

South Africa was represented by the stunning Melinda Bam. A huge media favourite. Leading up to the finale she displayed a competitive spirit that is rarely seen on these kind of competitions. How she never progressed past the top 10 will always be a mystery.

 

At the conclusion of the 2 hour live telecast,Miss USA, 20 year old Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012 by the outgoing queen, Leila Lopez of Angola. This is the 8th time that USA has won Miss Universe. The last time was 15 years ago when Brooke Lee won when the event was staged in Miami Florida.

 

 

Did you watch the pageant? Who was your favourite?