Miss South Africa 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (L) reacts as she is crowned new Miss Universe 2017 by Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere November 26, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Beauties from across the globe converged in Las Vegas Sunday, where Miss South Africa was crowned Miss Universe. Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, 22, edged out her rivals from Colombia and Jamaica to take the crown. Nel-Peters, a graduate in business management, said her disabled half-sister has been among her great inspirations.
Miss South Africa 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (L) reacts as she is crowned new Miss Universe 2017 by Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere November 26, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Beauties from across the globe converged in Las Vegas Sunday, where Miss South Africa was crowned Miss Universe. Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, 22, edged out her rivals from Colombia and Jamaica to take the crown. Nel-Peters, a graduate in business management, said her disabled half-sister has been among her great inspirations.
South Africa ended a 39-year wait to claim the Miss Universe prize, thanks to the eloquent, intelligent and beautiful Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters. The 22-year old business graduate blew away the judges with an impressive performance in Las Vegas.
Born in Sedgefield, Western Cape, Nel-Peters has taken confidence to dizzying heights. She won the Miss South Africa pageant earlier this year, and on her Miss Universe debut, Demi-Leigh secured a memorable victory.
The moment she claimed the crown was an emotionally-charged celebration, for both herself and the cheering crowd. Clearly, DLNP had won over the audience in Nevada, who erupted when South Africa was declared the winner:
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters crowned Miss Universe
South Africa, thank you for support and love throughout my #MissUniverse journey. I may be the new Miss Universe but I will always be your Miss South Africa – we did it! ???????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/QwHAXGsdVA
— Demi-LeighNel-Peters (@DemiLeighNP) November 27, 2017
Congratulations to Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, the winner of the 2017 #MissUniverse competition! pic.twitter.com/JYuQYc3Lvo
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) November 27, 2017
Nel-Peters takes the crown vacated by France’s 2016 winner, Iris Mittenaere. She staved off fierce competition from Colombia’s Laura Gonzalez, and Jamaica’s Davina Benett. Both girls claimed runner-up spots.
As reported by Good Things Guy, Demi-Leigh earned acclaim for taking a stance on both gender equality, and self-confidence. When addressing the panel, she raised issues regarding equal pay and conquering one’s fears:
“Women earn 75% of what men earn doing the same thing. I believe in equal pay for equal work. As Miss Universe, you have to be confident in who you are. Miss Universe has to overcome her fears and teach others to do the same. And nothing is ever too much to ask for. That is exactly who I am.”
It’s not everyday that we get news that is so joyful to report on. But this morning, we are revelling in a fellow South African’s achievements. We congratulate her, and look forward to seeing Miss Nel-Peters user her position of influence to change the world for the better. No pressure, Demi-Leigh!
