MPHO RANTAO
MISS South Africa will crown their new queen after Shudufhadzo Musida’s covid-19 interrupted reign comes to an end.
The pageant announced their top 10 contestants vying for the prestigious title and crown, which will be crowned in Cape Town’s Grand West Arena. The top 3 winners from the group will also represent the country on three international pageant stages: Miss World; Miss Supranational and Miss Universe.
This year’s judging panel consisted of four former beauty queens: Melinda Bam (Miss SA 2011), Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala (Miss SA 2010); Tamryn Green (Miss SA 2018) and Liesl Laurie (Miss SA 2015).
The finalists also consist of a former finalist who lost out to Zozibini Tunzi, who took the title in 2020 before being crowned Miss Universe.
BIANCA BEZHUIDENHOUT
Dance instructor and university graduate Bianca Bezuidenhout is from Strand in Cape Town.
She owns her own swimwear company called She Succeeds, and feels that Miss South Africa is a strong platform where “we can inspire, educate and use it as a launch pad for much needed social change.”
CATHERINE GROENEWALD
Catherine Groenewald is from Cape Town, majors in a Bcom visual communications degree and is a full-time model with Topco Models.
“It is now my third time entering and I have finally made it to the Top 10. I hope that this serves as a reminder that you really are capable of anything. A destiny delayed is not a destiny denied,” she told Miss South Africa.
CHENEIL HARTZENBERG
JEANNI MULDER
Another Capetonian, Jeanni Mulder is from Sea Point, and is a full-time model. and describes herself as compassionate, strong-willed and genuine.
“I want to show South Africans my voice, my story and what I stand for. I am ready to talk about a big problem that South Africa is facing and Miss South Africa will give me the platform to implement change.”
KAYLAN MATTHEWS
Kaylan Matthews hails from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, and is in her final year of a Bachelors in Human Movement Science at the Nelson Mandela University.
KGOTHATSO DITHEBE
Kgothatso Dithebe is from Tshwane, Gauteng. The law student runs her own company in construction and supply, and was part of the top 10 in 2019 that included winner Zozibini Tunzi.
“I want to enjoy this because I will never relive this moment again. I am looking forward to the public hearing my voice and my purpose.”
LALELA MSWANE
Dancer and model Lalela Mswane is from KwaSokhulu, Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal.
Mswane reveals to the media that her journey with Miss South Africa taught her a lot and improved her self-confidence.
“Firstly, that I possess more courage than I ever give myself credit for in being courageous enough to pursue this dream and opening myself up to public scrutiny.
“Secondly, I’ve learnt that I’m capable of achieving anything I set my mind and heart to and lastly, I’ve learnt that I can handle high pressure situations quite well.”
MORATWE MASIMA
Dr Moratwe Masima is an aspiring plastic and reconstructive surgeon from Gauteng, who dreams of meeting New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, who is lauded for her handling of the covid-19 pandemic and service to her citizens.
“I wasn’t expecting it because all the women in the Top 30 were absolutely amazing. When I heard I had made it to Top 10, I had just finished a 24-hour shift at the hospital,” Masima said.
“I felt a lot of emotions all at once mainly because I had a rough night at work but also so grateful that all my hard work was being recognised.”
TIFFANY FRANCIS
Tiffany Francis is a professional model and fashion design student from Johannesburg.
When asked what the hardest question was for her during the judging process, Francis shares: “[For] ‘Who is your favourite brother?’ – was the question I found impossible to answer … my siblings have taught me the value of relationships!”
ZIMI MABUNZI
Zimi Mabunzi, from eQonce (King William’s Town) is a BCom Law student and the winner of the People’s vote.
“There is a short video of a little girl, wishing me well on my Miss South Africa journey. I did not know this little girl before her mother found my number and sent it to me,” she explained.
“Apparently, she really loves Miss South Africa and was so excited to hear that someone from her town was in the Top 30. It’s so fulfilling knowing that my leap of faith has already had an impact on another young woman.”
The final of Miss South Africa will be aired on Dstv channel 101 (Mnet) and 161 (Mzansi Magic), and will be livestreamed on the Dstv Now application.
