The Miss South Africa organization hosted its 63rd edition of the pageant on 16th October 2021 at Sun International Grandwest Arena, where the stunning finalists competed against each other for the opportunity to represent South Africa at the next year’s editions of the Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss Supranational pageants. Lalela Mswane was crowned as the new queen at the end of the event by the passing queen Miss South Africa 2020 Shudufhadzo Musida. Lalela’s court includes Moratwe Masima and Zimi Mabunzi who were adjudged as the runners-up.
Hailing from Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, 24 year-old Lalela currently resides in Pretoria. She is a model, dancer and a graduate with a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Pretoria. She is passionate about the abatement of unemployment and would love to use the title of Miss South Africa to join forces with her predecessors and become a catalyst for change.
She decided to pursue her childhood dream by entering the pageant and is excited to embark the journey ahead. Mswane has been one of the most potential faces in South Africa and received huge support from her fans and pageant followers. The beauty is using her platform as Miss South Africa to ensure that she is “at the forefront of fighting against social injustices and celebrate one another for our authenticity and individualities.”
She also founded the ‘Lalela Mswane Foundation’, an NGO that strives to empower the youth to soar beyond the boundaries that life has placed before them. The foundation envisions to empower young South Africans, particularly those stemming from parentless backgrounds, to soar beyond the boundaries life has placed before them by means of mentorship programs as well as equip them with the necessary tools to ensure that they succeed in their chosen paths.
"I really wasn't expecting it, which is why I started crying. I was so shocked because I was already so fulfilled and blessed to have made top three. So, for me, this is genuinely just the cherry on top," Lalela told Catriona Gray in an interview moments after being crowned.
Sharing a message with the young boys and girls of South Africa, she said, "This year, I started off the year, and I had a word for the year. And that was 'relentless'. And I have been relentless in pursuit of everything that I desire, and that sets my heart on fire. So, that is what I truly want to impart to every single young girl and boy."
“I possess the compassion, tenacity, leadership and people skills which render me a worthy title holder. With a willing heart, an open mind and an eagerness to learn and grow, it would be an absolute honour to reign as Miss South Africa 2021," she added.
The diva along with her court will now prepare to represent South Africa at next year’s editions of international pageants.
Congratulations queens!