Zokufa represents SA in the Miss Universe pageant

Reigning Miss South Africa Ziphozakhe Zokufa will represent South Africa at the 63rd Miss Universe Pageant in Miami, on 25 January.

Zokufa, a 23-year-old model and TV production student from Port Elizabeth, was crowned the new Miss South Africa in December after Rolene Strauss won the Miss World title in London.

The statement sent to the media notes that Zokufa will represent South Africa against 90 other countries in the competition which is watched worldwide by more than one billion people.

At the pageant, she will wear two gowns – the national costume designed by Gregg Maragelis from the CTCFD and the finale gown – created by top South African designer Gert Johan Coetzee. According to the statement, Zokufa is fully prepared for Miss Universe and carries good wishes of all South Africans as she embarks on an exciting new chapter in her life.

“I have been looking forward to this event from the moment of my crowning and will carry the Miss South Africa title with pride. I not only represent myself but also the entire country. I trust I will make every South African proud,” Zokufa remarked.

The Miss South Africa licence holders, Sun International, and sponsor Cell C, considered a major media event on 17 December to be a combined crowning and farewell because of the lack of time available before her departure for Miami.

Sun International PR Manager, Claudia Henkel, said: “We believe her crowning was a highpoint and Ziphozakhe, from the moment she was crowned, embarked on a 24/7 schedule to prepare for Miss Universe, including photo shoots, interviews, video shoots and fittings. I am confident that she will make us proud, she is incredibly determined, beautiful and confident, considering the limited time she had to prepare.

“It would be a wonderful achievement should Ziphozakhe win Miss Universe 2014/2015, a truly remarkable celebration for our nation.”