Durban welcomes Mrs Universe 2017 contestants
The city of Durban has today welcomed the contestants of the Mrs Universe 2017 pageant.
Women from more than 84 countries will compete for the Mrs Universe crown in Durban on 2 September 2017.
It's the first time the event is being hosted on the continent.
In addition to competing in the pageant, the beauty queens will be involved in a seven-day programme - which includes a march against gender-based violence, and visiting schools in the greater Durban area.
Mrs Universe 2017 Hosting Director for Africa, Tracey-Anne Buckley Aggett says the event has again placed the city amongst the world's best.
"Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Africa are currently in the global spotlight as we drive global women empowerment. The exciting thing is we have the rights for the next ten years. It doesn't mean it will be every single year - but for the next ten years going forward, we we can keep bringing it back, and empowering our shores and our women," she says.