Palesa Lombard from Waverley to the Miss South Africa 2024 spotlight

Palesa Lombard, a top 30 finalist in the Miss South Africa 2024 competition, hails from the northern Johannesburg suburb of Waverley.

Born at Parkland Clinic into a close-knit family, Palesa’s upbringing significantly shaped who she is today. “Moving homes every five years, thanks to my father’s
house-flipping projects, made me adaptable and ready for any challenge,” she recalls.

Lombard’s education at Roedean, one of South Africa’s top schools, prepared her academically and instilled a strong sense of female empowerment. She furthered her studies in biomedical sciences and neuroscience and is currently pursuing medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her strong family foundation and excellent education have been pivotal in her development, shaping her into the determined and compassionate woman she is today.

Inspired by a former Miss South Africa, Natasha Joubert, Lombard decided to enter the competition. “Seeing Natasha remain authentic and genuine while making a difference inspired me to take this leap,” Lombard says. Representing Waverley, Johannesburg North, is an honour for her. “I’m excited to show the diversity and vibrancy of my community,” she shares.

Lombard believes the Miss South Africa platform is a powerful tool for societal change, with its broad reach and support network. She is eager to leverage this platform to contribute to positive change. She is already looking forward to potentially partnering with initiatives like the Wits Agincourt Field’s work in Bushbuckridge, focusing on improving public mental health.

Lombard’s journey in the competition has been a whirlwind of excitement and growth. “The support and love I’ve received are overwhelming and humbling,” she admits. Passionate about mental health issues, she aims to create accessible mental health care channels sensitive to South Africa’s diverse cultures. Despite the challenges of competing with so many accomplished women, Lombard remains focused on her unique path, confident that each contestant’s journey is individually designed.

Outside of pageantry, Lombard enjoys modelling and has a passion for art, particularly drawing in graphite. Looking ahead, she envisions herself as a dedicated medical consultant and believes that the experience and exposure from Miss South Africa will help her achieve her professional goals. “My role model, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, inspires me to break societal moulds,” she says.

For young girls aspiring to participate in beauty pageants, Lombard’s advice is simple: believe in your greatness and follow your dreams. Balancing the demands of the competition with personal and professional commitments is something she embraces with enthusiasm. Authenticity, she believes, is the most crucial quality for a Miss South Africa winner, fostering genuine connections with the community.

Related articles: Sacred Heart College hosted different schools for 67 Blankets for Mandela Day’s meet and knit initiative

King Edward VII Preparatory School pride themselves in their excellent facilities

Locals are encouraged to visit the ‘Named after Mandela’ exhibition