Dr Claude Mashego crowned new Miss World South Africa
She's an icon, she's a legend, and she's the moment! Introducing our new Miss World South Africa...
A doctor from Mpumalanga has been named the winner of the first-ever Miss World South Africa pageant.
Dr Claude Mashego won the title at the pageant's inaugural ceremony held in Pretoria. Minnie Dlamini hosted the main event, while Unathi was one of the guest performers.
Dr Mashego was crowned by the reigning Miss World Karolina Bielawska. Hours before her big moment, she reflected on her journey in the pageant.
"It’s less than an hour before showtime and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. I’m grateful to God for years of hard work finally paid off. I’m grateful to my family, friends, and each one of you that have been rallying behind me and encouraging me to keep going. Thank you so much and I love you all. I have done my part and now all that is left is for the will of God to be done. All things are working for my good," the 24-year-old wrote.
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The Miss World South Africa titleholder was previously determined by the organisers of the Miss South Africa pageant. Someone from the top three would be sent to the international competition.
However, businesswoman Carol Bouwer bought the rights to the Miss World licence in South Africa earlier this year.
Carol Bouwer Productions launched a new franchise and pageant. The winner of Miss World South Africa will represent the country at the global pageant.
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The Miss World 2023 pageant was set to take place in India in December.
However, the ceremony has been postponed to March 2024.
"I am sorry I have to inform you of the changes that we have found necessary to make because of the announcement of the government elections to be held in India in November/December; this would have clashed with our Miss World dates," News24 quoted the organisation's CEO and chairperson Julia Morley.
Current Miss South Africa, Natasha Joubert, will not be participating in any international pageants.
Her first runner-up, Bryoni Govender, will be representing SA at the Miss Universe pageant happening in El Salvador this month.
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Main image credit: Instagram/@claudemashego