The big reveal took place as the country bid farewell to current Miss SA 2015, Liesl Laurie, and first princess, Refilwe Mthimunye, as they both prepare to represent the country at the Miss World and Miss Universe pageants, respectively.
Present at the farewell event was Suzette van der Merwe, managing executive for Cell C, who wished both beauties well ahead of the upcoming pageants.
“Go and create memories, meet new people and leave a footprint in the hearts of others on your journey,” she said.
She also spoke about the selected finalists, hailing them as a wonderful combination of women who’ve worked hard on their skills as well as their beauty.
Five of the 12 finalists are from Gauteng, while Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape each have finalists competing.
Sun International public relations manager, Claudia Henkel, was the MC at the event and also expressed pride in the selected finalists.
“We are absolutely delighted with the finalists; the young women who have been selected depict everything that we hope the pageant represents; intelligence, integrity and beauty,” she said.
The glittery event also saw Laurie and Mthimunye reveal the gowns and national costumes they will be wearing at the two pageants, with Laurie’s attire designed by Casper Bosman and Mthimunye’s by Anel Botha.
The Miss World is set to take place in China on 19 December while the Miss Universe will take place a day later in the United States of America on 20 December.
The 2016 Miss South Africa pageant takes place at Carnival City on Saturday, 19 March, moving from its former home of Sun City.
Details: Website: www.misssa.co.za
