Miss World finale: Why Miss SA cut ties with global pageant

Beauty pageant enthusiasts are in for a treat this weekend, with the Miss World crowning ceremony finally taking place after two delays and a change of location.

But if you’re expecting to see the Miss South Africa (Miss SA) representatives – including winner Natasha Joubert – you’re in for a surprise.

That’s because the local pageant organisers chose not to renew their licence with its global counterpart earlier this year. Instead, the licence was bought by SA businesswoman Carol Bouwer.

The 71st Miss World pageant will take place on 9 March at the Jio World Convention Centre in India.

MISS SA DISTANCES ITSELF FROM GLOBAL PAGEANT

In May 2023, Carol Bouwer’s production company bought the licence to establish the Miss World South Africa. This after the Miss SA organisation  – through Sun International – chose not to renew the license with the international pageant. 

In October, Claude Mashego was crowned the first-ever Miss World South Africa. The medical doctor will join beauty queens from over 100 different countries in vying for the crown.

Speaking to Previdar, Mashego – who hails from Mpumalanga – claims winning the title, and competing on an international stage, was a childhood dream

She said of her decision to enter: “It’s about showing up in excellence everywhere.”

“Leadership equates influence, and my sole purpose is to shake up young people to realise the power we have to change the world now. To influence any young woman in any sphere to see their own potential to bring change to our societies”.

WHEN WILL MISS WORLD TAKE PLACE?

The 71st annual Miss World will take place on 9 March in India.

Last year, organisers moved the ceremony from the United Arab Emirates to India. They’ve also changed the dates twice.