Miss SA 2017 to get R1m

Miss South Africa 2017 will receive R1 million in cash from sponsors Sun International and Cell C as well as a bouquet of prizes that will elevate the competition to one of the richest pageants in the world.

The winner, to be crowned at a live televised ceremony to be held at Sun City at the end of March 2017, will receive the cash, a car, an international holiday and other prizes in a package that exceeds R2 million. The finalists for 2017 will each receive a R25 000 cash prize.

“We are delighted that, for the first time in the history of the pageant, R1 million in cash will be given to the young woman who takes the title. This will change the winner’s life forever and enable her to accomplish whatever she wants to in life. We want to attract the best person for this most important role as a new ambassador for the country and this enables us to do so,” says PR manager for Sun International, Claudia Henkel. “The Miss South Africa brand aligns well with Cell C’s ongoing strategy to empower women. The prize package for 2017 will allow the winner to fulfil all ambitions that she has,” added the executive commercial communications officer for Cell C, Suzette van der Merwe.

The search is now on for the young woman who will follow in the footsteps of the current Miss South Africa, Ntandoyenkosi Kunene, and become one of South Africa’s most prominent ambassadors. Miss South Africa 2017 will have the opportunity to represent her country and compete in both the Miss World and Miss Universe pageants.

For the first time members of the public will be able to watch a part of the auditions when they take place at the various Sun International properties around the country. Miss South Africa 2016 will be in attendance at all these auditions.

Those who think they have what it takes can register online on the Miss South Africa website: www.suninternational.com/MissSA‎. All entrants, even those that have registered online, must attend a regional judging session at one of the Sun International venues.

Sun International venues

• July 16: Durban, Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom
• July 23: Brakpan, Carnival City Casino and Hotel
• July 30: Cape Town, Grand West Casino and Entertainment World
• August 6: Port Elizabeth, The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World
• August 13: Polokwane, Meropa Casino and Entertainment World
• August 20: Bloemfontein, Windmill Casino
• August 27: Johannesburg, The Maslow Hotel