Miss South Africa congratulates the new Miss Universe 

Miss South Africa Ndavi Nokeri has joined the rest of the world in congratulating the new Miss Universe winner R’Bonney Gabriel from the US. In addition, Nokeri also offered her congratulations to runner-up Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel and second runner-up Miss Dominican Republic Andreina Martinez.

Nokeri was among the contestants in the 70th annual Miss Universe pageant and she made it to the Top 16 of the competition.

Twenty-three-year-old Nokeri – who comes from Gabaza in the Greater Tzaneen area of Limpopo and celebrates her birthday in less than 10 days – represented South Africa against contestants from 84 other countries in the competition, which took place in New Orleans in the US. 

She was one of the front runners throughout the build-up to the finale.

The show, screened live in South Africa on 1Magic (DStv channel 103), was hosted by American television host and stylist Jeannie Mai and Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo.

“I would like to congratulate R’Bonney who is a worthy winner and is going to be a wonderful Miss Universe,” commented Nokeri. 

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Miss South Africa also used the opportunity to thank her support system, which not only included her family, but the country at large.

“I want to thank everyone for their wonderful support and I am proud of what I have accomplished. I know that I gave it my all and the Miss Universe experience will be something I will never forget. I am looking forward to returning to South Africa to complete my reign and my advocacy campaign Ed-Unite.”

“Obviously, I would have liked to go further but I am delighted to have made it into the Top 16 of the competition. The whole experience has been beyond my wildest expectations and it has been a true journey of the sisterhood.”

Miss Universe is one of the longest-running and most-watched beauty competitions in the world, having started in 1952. It is broadcasted in 165 countries and seen by more than half a billion people annually. 

“We are incredibly proud of Ndavi and how she represented both us as an organisation and the country on a world stage. We believe that she did South Africa proud and her performance was remarkable from start to finish. We look forward to welcoming her home where her Miss South Africa journey will continue,” added Stephanie Weil, CEO of the Miss South Africa Organisation.

During her time as Miss South Africa, Nokeri launched her highly successful advocacy campaign Ed-Unite. She has always been passionate about equal educational opportunities and, at her crowning in August, pledged to help ensure an equal playing field for all learners.

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*Compiled by Kaunda Selisho