Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters a favourite to win Miss Universe

The last time SA won the crown was 39 years ago!

Demi-Leigh will be competing against 96 other contestants sat the pageant, which takes place in Las Vegas on Sunday, November 26.

The Western Cape beauty has already promised that she will “dedicate and commit” herself “to ensure the crown will once again be on South African soil.”

And it seems she has a good chance of doing just that.

The B.Comm graduate has been declared an early favourite to make it to the final stages by pageant watchers.

They have based their predications on a “beauty and brain” criteria – both of which Demi-Leigh certainly has!

Other favouirtes include Miss Vietnam, Miss Mexico, Miss Iceland and Miss Philippines.

Some critics have even gone so far as to say that Demi-Leigh is the number-one contender.

Demi-Leigh has been preparing for the pageant since she won the Miss SA title in March, and she cannot wait to walk across the stage in Las Vega to fly the South African flag.

“I am extremely excited and proud to represent our Rainbow Nation and cannot wait to wear the name ‘South Africa’ proudly across my chest,” she said in a press statement in August.

The 22-year-old has a strong team supporting her road to Miss Universe.

Pageant coach Werner Wessels is helping her prepare for the competition. He previously worked with Miss South Africa 2014 Rolene Strauss, who went on to win Miss World.

Demi-Leigh left for America on Thursday. She thanked South Africans for their support in a special video posted on her Instagram account, shortly before she boarded her flight.

“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for this opportunity, South Africa I carry you in my heart all the way,” she said on Instagram.

Demi-Leigh is not the only SA beauty with a chance of winning an international crown.

Miss SA runner-up Adè van Heerden will be taking part in the Miss World pageant in China, taking place on November 18.

She is filling in for Demi-Leigh, who is unable to attend due to her commitments with the Miss Universe pageant.

Adè has also been declared a favourite to win Miss World, alongside Miss India, Miss France, Miss Russia and Miss Mexico.

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