Beauty pageant lovers are looking forward to the coronation of Miss World this weekend, after twice being postponed and relocating.
But anyone expecting to see the Miss South Africa (Miss SA) contingent, including winner Natasha Joubert, was in for a surprise.
That's because the local contest organizer opted not to renew its license with the global contest organizer earlier this year. Instead, the license was purchased by SA businessman Carol Bower.
The 71st Miss World pageant will be held on March 9th at the Geo World Convention Center in India.
Miss SA is moving away from global pageants
In May 2023, Carol Bower's production company purchased the license to establish Miss World South Africa. This comes after the Miss SA organization, through Sun International, chose not to renew its international pageant license.
In October, Claude Mashego was crowned the first ever Miss World South Africa. The doctor will compete for the crown alongside beauty queens from over 100 countries.
talk to PreviderMashego, who hails from Mpumalanga, claims it was his childhood dream to win a title and compete on the international stage.
She said of her decision to enter: “It’s about excelling everywhere.”
“Leadership equals influence and my only aim is to sway young people to realize the power we now have to change the world.” It’s about helping people realize their own potential to give and make a difference in our society.”
When is Miss World held?
The 71st Miss World will be held in India on March 9th.
Last year, organizers moved the ceremony from the United Arab Emirates to India. The date was also changed twice.
