Denis Opudo
The 2018 annual Miss South Africa event took place on yesterday at Sun Arena in Pretoria. The 2018 event was described by many as the most dynamic event to be witnessed in that country. Sunday evening brought to an end the search of two South Africans. The two took home the awards of Miss South Africa World, and Miss South Africa Universe awards. The two awards were previously won by Adè van Heerden and Demi Leigh Nel-Peters.
Additionally, the 2018 awards brought together almost ten previous holders of the Miss South Africa titles. The ten graced the occasion and took time to walk to the stage. They did this to showcase to the attendants that they did not win the award due to lack but they indeed deserved it. The Miss South Africa World was won by Thulisa Keyi from East London, and Tamaryn Green from Paarl won the Miss South Africa Universe category. This was the first time in 60 years since the award was launched that saw the reduction of the 12 usual finalists to the best five and lastly to the best two.
Keyi who is 26 years old is a graduate of the University of Cape Town with a degree in accounting. On the other hand Green, who is 23 years old is a student at the same university in her final year pursuing medicine. Green admitted that she lacked words to describe the feeling she had when her name was mentioned. According to her, the first words that came from her mouth were the words of thanks to her parents and Creator. She realized that her life had taken a different direction.
Green told the judges that she has a passion for helping the sick regain back their health. Furthermore, she is passionate about empowering women. Keyi added that she would work hard to promote education since it is the fundamental pillar of the South African economy. The two will have a chance to represent South Africa at the respective pageants before the end of 2018.
The audience was entertained by the performance from DJ Tamara and Zinhle, Lady Zamar and Goodluck. Furthermore, the event was hosted by Bonang Matheba who controlled the night by fashionably and professionally. She thoroughly commanded the stage and showed different changes of outfit. The jury comprised of Anele Mdoda, a radio host who was once a judge back in 2014. Also present were Khaya Dlanga, a social media marketer and influencer, Janez Vermeiren who is a TV presenter and entrepreneur, Rolene Strauss the 2014 Miss World winner, Siba Mtongana Television personality and celebrity, and Michelle van Breda, a magazine editor.
The former Miss South Africans were kept busy throughout the night as they received certificates and gifts. The day also saw the launching of the Legacy Initiative courtesy of the pageant. The initiative will help in raising funds to assist in promoting the education of South African youths. According to Gareth Flusk, an organizer of the pageant, the event is an inspiring brand that positively influences the SA communities. The former ward holders comprised of Liesl Laurie, Basetsana Kumalo, Penny Rey Coelen, Kerishnie Naicker, Margaret Gardiner, Joan Ramagoshi, and Kerishnie Naicker.
