Miss South Africa Organisation chosen Lalela Mswane as the new Miss Supranational South Africa

The Miss South Africa Organisation explained in press statement on Tuesday 15 February, why reigning Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane will be competing at Miss Supranational despite having already competed at Miss Universe.

 

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However, in October 2021, Miss SA Organisation CEO Stepanie Weil said the Miss SA top-three winners would be representing South Africa at the various international pageants. Lalela was crowned second runner-up at the Miss Universe pageant in December. “The organisation in the last few years has really focused on changing things up. For me, it’s not really about placements. Ten are incredibly empowered young women. Three get to represent us internationally. And one wears the crown,” said Weil.

But the other two deserve the same journey without placement – making them higher or lower than the other. For now, I really like the idea that everybody is on equal footing. And we try to give every single young woman, regardless of their position, such an incredible journey,” she continued.

WHY THE MISS SA RUNNERS-UP ARE NOT COMPETING?

So, why aren’t either of the runners-up – Dr Moratwe Masima and Zimbi Mabunzi — headed to Miss Supranational? According to the Miss SA Organisation the competition timeline allows for Lalela to compete at both pageants.

“Covid has forced many events to be postponed, and this has caused confusion around the different competitions and when they are set to be held. It is also not uncommon for the same representative to attend more than one international competition during their year of reign should the international pageant’s dates and timeline allow for it,” said Weil in a statement.

Popular social media gossip page Maphepha Ndaba reported that Moratwe was allegedly so upset that she unfollowed the Miss SA Organisation on Instagram (although it appears that she is following the organisation again) and removed “Miss SA runner-up” from her Instagram biography.