VIDEO: UJ’s Liesl Laurie crowned Miss SA
AUCKLAND PARK – A radiant Liesl Laurie has been crowned Miss South Africa 2015 at a glittering ceremony held at the Sun City Superbowl, presented by Sun International in collaboration with Cell C.
University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) alumni Liesl Laurie was crowned Miss South Africa 2015 in Sun City on 29 March.
The excited and overwhelmed Laurie (23) said she was determined to make a difference during her reign.
“I am ready for the responsibility that has been placed on my shoulders. Taking on the title of Miss South Africa, I look forward to exploring our beautiful country, to see its beautiful landscape but, most importantly, to connect with its people. I am proud to stand here as an ambassador of South Africa and my fellow South Africans,” she said in her acceptance speech.
The first princess is Refilwe Mthimunye while UJ’s Ntsiki Mkhize came third as the second princess.
“My legacy would be to be a Miss South Africa for South Africans. For the people. I want every person to see a little bit of themselves in me. Being an inspiration and a beacon of hope is what I strive for. I want each person to look at me and remember that one can be as great as you want to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination and the dedication you can achieve anything,” said Laurie.
As Miss South Africa 2015, Laurie has won cash, a car and products valued at nearly R2 million. Included in this package, sponsor Cell C is giving the winner access to R200 000 to spend on random acts of kindness.
The event was a star-studded affair with a gathering of the biggest number of former Miss South Africa title holders ever.
They included Miss Worlds – Rolene Strauss, Anneline Kriel and Penny Rey-Coelen – and one of the country’s early Miss South Africa’s, Adèle Kruger who took the crown in 1957.
“As constituency head for Midvaal or Lesedi, I wish to make special mention of Ntsiki Mkhize after being crowned second princess. I am certain that, as the knockout stages commenced, residents of Midvaal were on the edges of their seats rooting for Ntsiki,”said DA Gauteng Constituency head Mike Moriarty.
