Her win at Miss Universe 2017 has caused a huge influx of entries for the Miss South Africa 2018 edition and the Miss South Africa judges have their jobs cut out for them as the regional stages of the competition are well in place.
Yes, we are talking about Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters who has inspired thousands of ladies in South Africa to come forward and participate in Miss South Africa pageant this year. These ladies are giving their sweat and blood to reach the final 12 of the competition.
This year the national pageant has planned to empower women through the competition and for that reason, it has introduced a concept called Women360, for young girls to follow their dreams no matter what. It is an initiative to present a positive, constructive, educational and entertaining platform, showcasing a variety of options available for women who wish to explore new avenues to enrich and enhance their lives. Not only that, the pageant is also doing the regional judging and will have road shows in cities around the country focusing on all things women.
Till now 4 contestants have been finalised. Have a look at the girls vying for the title of Miss South Africa 2018 –
Karishma Ramdev, 23, of Chatsworth is a fifth-year medical student at the University of Pretoria
Leah Prinsloo, 22, of Morningside who is a qualified graphic designer
Noxolo Ndebele, 24, hails from Pinetown and has a Bachelor of Commerce Accounting degree from the University of Zululand. She currently works as a project financial controller.
Avania Reddy, 25, is a Westville resident and is a qualified mechanical engineer.
Tegan Goldman, 25, South Africa Port Elizabeth Honours student - Corporate Comm.
Thandokazi Mfundisi, 23, law student at the University of Fort Hare from East London.
Danielle de Jager
These girls have made it to semi-finals which will consist of 24 contenders. They will eventually fight for a spot in Top 12. The Top 12 will be selected via public votes. The contestants who receive the maximum number of votes will step ahead to the Top 12 finalists list.
The pageant commenced in the year 1956 when Norma Vorster was crowned Miss South Africa 1956, who represented SA at Miss World 1956. South Africa won its first Miss World title as early as 1958 when Penelope Anne Coelen was crowned Miss World 1958. The second Miss World title for South Africa was in 1974 when Anneline Kriel was awarded Miss World 1974, after the originally crowned Miss World Helen Morgan from the UK resigned. And then after a gap of 40 years, Rolene Strauss won the third Miss World title for South Africa in the year 2014.
And of course, the lovely Demi-Leigh kept the torch burning with a win at Miss Universe last year.
The finale of Miss South Africa 2018 will be taking place on 27th May 2018 where the next representatives for Miss World 2018 and Miss Universe 2018 will be crowned by reigning queens Ade Van Heerden and Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters respectively.