Miss SA’s final lap

The final countdown has begun for the last 12 finalists who are eagerly hoping for their chance to be presented with the Miss South Africa crown at the glamorous ceremony on 27 May.

This year’s event, which coincides with the pageant’s 60th anniversary, comes with a few changes to the format. According to the Miss SA Organisation, there will be two princesses, Miss World South Africa and Miss Universe South Africa, who will represent the country together with the queen at the lavish global stages.

Read: Miss SA and princess to get grand farewell ahead of Miss World pageant

According to the organisers, the country’s glitz and glamour event, to be held at Sun International, Time Square, Pretoria, will see the 12 finalists walking away with prized packages valued at R180 000.

The final 12 contestants come from six different provinces and their impressive looks and backgrounds mirror the pageant’s growing image of beauty and brains.

In alphabetical order:

• Akile Khoza (23) from Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga, is a masters’ student of neuroscience at Stellenbosch University.
• Anzelle van Staden (25) from Centurion in Gauteng with a BComm degree from University of Pretoria, is a full-time model.
• Bryoni Govender (21) from Kempton Park in Gauteng, is a third-year law student at the University of Johannesburg.
• Daniellé de Jager (20) from Benoni in Gauteng, is studying biokinetics at the Nelson Mandela University.
• Karishma Ramdev (23) from Chatsworth in KwaZulu-Natal, is a fifth-year medical student at the University of Pretoria.
• Margo Fargo (25) from Heidedal in the Free State, with a BSc Consumer Sciences honours degree, is a co-founder of a non-profit organisation.
• Noxolo Ndebele (24) from KwaNongoma in KwaZulu-Natal, with a BComm Acc degree, is a financial controller.
• Tamarin Bensch (25) from Bedfordview in Gauteng, works in property management and interior renovations.
• Tamaryn Green (23) from Paarl in the Western Cape, is busy with her final year of medical studies at the University of Cape Town.
• Thandokazi Mfundisi (23) from East London in the Eastern Cape, is a final year law student at Fort Hare University.
• Tharina Botes (21) from Roodepoort in Gauteng, is a first-year BComm Marketing and Business student at Damelin College and a part-time model.
• Thulisa Keyi (26) from East London in the Eastern Cape, is busy with her articles after graduating from the University of Cape Town.

Suzette van der Merwe from Cell C, one of the sponsors, said in a statement that the changes in the arrangement are to align the event with international best practice in order to enhance the winners’ chances for victory and a bigger global spotlight.

Read: Miss SA finalists

Gareth Flusk of Sun International said that the organisers are thrilled about the calibre of this year’s finalists, adding that they would do the country proud on an international stage.

Details: Stephanie Weil stephanie@ninesquared.co.za