The wait is over as the moment Mzansi has been waiting for has finally arrived.
On Saturday, August 10, South Africans will go to sleep with a new beauty queen but who will it be?
Over the past few weeks, we have seen Miss SA 2024 finalists work tirelessly on “Crown Chasers” to battle for their spot in the top 10. Now that they have reached the finals, their eyes are on the crown jewel.
While we await the big moment tonight on who will be Joubert’s successor, let us look at all the hopefuls vying for the crown.
Kebalepile Ramafoko
Passionate about sport and youth empowerment, Ramafoko believes that by having more sports facilities in the community, South African youth can be saved from many negative factors that affect them such as substance abuse, crime and unemployment.
Should she win, she will use her influence to advocate for more sports facilities in disadvantaged communities.
Layla Zoubair
As a fashion designer who makes luxurious modest clothes for stylish women, the owner of Fair Collection stands a chance because she advocates for young single mothers.
Many women are single parents, including married ones, and should she win, Zoubair wants to continue to advocate for single mothers since she relates to their struggles.
Lebohang Khoza
The 27-year-old educator from Pietermaritzburg in Kwa-Zulu-Natal is a woman of many talents. She is a singer, choreographer and actor.
Passionate about education, Khoza visited her former high school Russell High Old Girls to inspire the learners that whatever dream they have, education is the best foundation. She wants to use her platform to spread that message across the globe.
Mia Le Roux
After suffering from hearing loss when she was only one year old and having her community grant her the gift of hearing, Le Roux has vowed to make a positive impact on society by advocating for inclusivity, acceptance and a sense of belonging for everyone.
If she wins, she will make history as the first deaf woman with a cochlear implant to win the title and will continue to advocate for inclusivity on platforms like Miss SA that offer great opportunities.
Nompumelelo Maduna
Familiar to the Miss South Africa stage, Maduna stands a great chance because, in 2019, she was very close to winning the crown after she made it to the top five.
This year, she returns more knowledgeable and eager to win the title to use her influence to empower more girls in her namesake mentorship programme.
Onalenna Constantin
The 26-year-old content creator who entered Miss South Africa for the second time after being unsuccessful in 2020 is proof that not giving up on your dreams pays.
This year, she has grown and if she wins, she wants to use her platform to meet policymakers regarding the dire need for social workers in every school to ensure social justice for women and children.
Ontshiametse Tlhopane
The fashion model from Protea Glen in Soweto has been advocating for change before she even entered the Miss SA pageant.
Through her non-profit organisation #SafeHere, she has worked with different schools to help Grade 9 pupils choose the right subjects for their career choices.
She also advocates for literacy by hosting debates and encouraging children to read aloud to help them master their vocabulary skills.
Palesa Lombard
The final-year medical student interested in neurological pathologies believes in the power of the mind. Should she win Miss SA, she will use her influence to advocate for mental health and why everyone should prioritise it.
Taahira Katz
The international model believes that people can lose themselves by being consumed by the digital age, hence she wants to prioritise mental health, consciousness and education.
Kirsten Khan
An advocate for mental health, Khan believes the youth should be allowed to be seen and heard when it comes to pursuing their dreams.
If she wins, she will use her voice to empower others not to give up on their dreams because failing doesn't mean it's the end of the road, it means you must regroup and try again.
∎The Miss South Africa 2024 finale takes place at Sun International’s SunBet Arena at Time Square and will be televised live on S3 at 8pm.