Miss Earth 2016 crowned

Nozipho Magagula was crowned the winner of Miss Earth South Africa 2016 during the Miss Earth gala dinner at Montecasino on 8 September.

Magagula, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Pretoria, will go on to represent South Africa at Miss Earth International 2016 next month in the Philippines.

Ella Bella Constantinides Leite, director of the Miss Earth programme said, “It’s rewarding to see the growth and influence of the Miss Earth South Africa programme over a period of more than 12 years. We aim to continue to empower young women with the knowledge and platform to create a sustainable difference in our plight to combat the destruction of our natural heritage.”

The gala evening was hosted by South African comedian Lihle Msimang and the guest list included UN dignitaries, Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom, South African actresses Kgomotso Christopher, Maps Maponyane and Yvonne Chaka Chaka to name a few. Ambassadors were dressed by Authenticate Collection and had upcycled garments made by the students of the Generation Earth Council at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.

Jeanine Keet from Newclare was the first runner-up and works as a draughtsman; second runner-up was Bloemfontein’s Elne van Coller who is doing her final year in occupational therapy; and third runner-up is civil engineer, Mireesha Narsai of KwaZulu-Natal, who is currently completing her Masters Degree in Biofluid Mechanics. These four winners are joined by their official ambassadors for the year, Mandisa Mqolombeni, Hasesha Naidu and Annie Kirsten.

South Africa’s green girl goes home with a very special prize package including a fully paid for trip to the Philippines next month where she will represent the country and the work of the organisation. Winners will also receive prizes from David Green Eyewear, gifts from Healing Earth, Crystal Forum and Jenni Gault.