South Africans divided over Mswane’s ‘dove of peace’ costume
A debate has erupted on social media after Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane wore a dove of peace outfit at the Miss Universe pageant.
Mswane dazzled a dove costume to show the culture of South Africa and “its spirit of Ubuntu”.
“A nation that has shown that lasting peace can be achieved. She is honoured to bring this message of hope to the global stage,” read the caption of a post by Miss South Africa on Twitter.
It was accompanied by a video of Mswane strutting the costume at the Miss Universe pageant on Friday in Israel.
The national costume competition doesn’t form part of the overall scores of contestants but serves as an opportunity for them to honour their respective countries.
The annual beauty pageant has been mired in controversy.
Government has withdrawn support for the Miss South Africa Organisation after officials couldn’t convince organisers to pull out due to the Israeli government’s stance against Palestinians.
The winners of the 70th Miss Universe pageant will be announced on Sunday during a live show.
The “Dove of Peace” outfit had Twitter users divided.
Oh bro i was actually watching so i will tell you. She is determined focused and outspoken. She has the best stage perfomance of all the girls. She is sttong willed and has her own brain and ideas. She's not a typical fluff girl that one. She's amazing. 😀😀
— Obed The Magnificent (@ObedMagnificent) December 11, 2021
South Africans right now are like pic.twitter.com/JVRb43z5i7
— MĂWÅWÄ (@sirluds) December 11, 2021
She is representing herself and not South Africa... Our government has spoken.
— Rockstar🇱🇸🇿🇦 (@Rocksta34891941) December 11, 2021
"Lalela is a mooi girly a dove of peace reminds me of Madiba" pic.twitter.com/JEgRqS04xi
— Yemyem (@thandorasi) December 11, 2021