Miss South Africa organization organized a farewell event for Miss South Africa 2022 Ndavi Nokeri as she prepares to depart for USA where the 71st Miss Universe pageant will be held. Ndavi showcased her national costume as well as gave a glimpse into how stunning her gowns are going to be.

Talking about her national costume for Miss Universe 2022, Ndavi quoted, “From the very beginning of my Miss South Africa journey, I always wanted people to know that I was standing for Tsonga people because growing up as a child I felt as if we were under-represented. At the same time, we've incorporated the fact that I'm South African and African; this is so beautiful because I've come to learn that as Africans we are more alike than we are different thanks to our shared experiences and values. It is a proud moment for me to make all Africans feel seen, understood and represented.”

Ndavi is rooted in her Tsonga heritage birthed on African soil. The creative director also talked about how they wanted the national costume to have a distinctly African feel. A part of the costume is inspired by Ndavi’s Tsonga culture and it is beautifully represented in the choice and use of fabrics.

The inner costume is made by Sello Medupe and also includes a set of wings built by Henk Henderson. The wings showcase flight and represent something that is ascending because African women in the world are busy rising; we are seeing this in so many pop culture moments such as The Woman King and Wakanda Forever.

The gown that she wore at the event was designed by Juan William Aria. The gold dress with precious stones which represents South Africa’s mineral wealth. The preliminary and finale gown will be different from this one.

Miss Universe 2022, the 71st Miss Universe, is scheduled to be held at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States on 14th January 2023. Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu of India will crown her successor at the end of the event finale.