Mrs SA 2023 Palesa Matjekane launches international pageant with Dubai royal partnership
The pageant is in partnership with the royal family of Dubai hopes to strengthen relations with the Middle East.
Successful applicants will experience a boot camp and the top three will fly to Dubai for the world finale.
There's a new groundbreaking pageant merging high stakes diplomacy with purposeful leadership.
The Miss Polo Universe Africa pageant is an international pageant and the first of its kind in South Africa, partnering with the royal family of Dubai for a promising a diplomatic and economic gateway to position South African women as global ambassadors in culture and commerce.
Crowned Mrs South Africa 2023 Palesa Matjekane is named as the CEO of the Miss Polo Universe Africa pageant, and she tells TRUELOVE about her role in bringing the pageant to life.
'As the CEO of Miss Polo Universe Africa, my involvement goes beyond leadership it's a calling rooted in empowerment, diplomacy, and transformation. I was inspired to be part of this platform because it merges elegance with purpose. Miss Polo Universe Africa isn't just about beauty it's about giving young women a stage to showcase intellect, leadership, and their potential to become global change-makers.
'My journey as Mrs South Africa 2023 gave me a firsthand understanding of how powerful these platforms can be, and I wanted to create that same opportunity for others especially on a continental scale through Miss Polo Universe Africa,' she explains.
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A groundbreaking partnership with the Middle East
The pageant, which boasts the banner 'Crown your Purpose', will give contestants access to trade and investment networks, international business mentorship programmes, cultural exchange initiatives and direct pathways to Middle Eastern markets.
On how Miss Polo Universe Africa sets itself apart from other local and international competitions, Palesa says, 'Miss Polo Universe Africa distinguishes itself by prioritising substance over spectacle. While many pageants focus primarily on aesthetics and performance, Miss Polo Universe Africa integrates cultural diplomacy, education and international relations. It's a pageant with a purpose merging fashion, global advocacy and philanthropy.
'Our participants don't have to wear swimwear locally and internationally. The participants are not judged on their beauty and body but on their intelligence, community impact and ability to serve as cultural ambassadors. The platform acts as a bridge between continents and cultures, and that global perspective is what truly sets it apart.'
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Palesa describes the pageant as 'foreign policy in action' and shares how she believes South Africa and the international community will learn from each other.
'Through South Africa's involvement, I hope the international community gains a renewed appreciation for our country's leadership in promoting diversity, unity and women's empowerment. South Africa is a country rich in resilience, history and cultural depth and I believe our representation can inspire others.
'For the entrants, the partnership with the Royal Family of Dubai is a unique opportunity to learn about global etiquette, diplomacy and visionary leadership. It's a chance to witness how tradition and modernity can coexist, and how influence can be used to drive sustainable development. I want every young woman to leave the pageant with a broadened worldview and a deepened sense of responsibility as a global citizen,' Palesa adds.
The logistics
Applications are open online from 15 to 23 August for women between the ages of 18 and 40, a broader age range than most traditional pageants.
Auditions are set to take place virtually to avoid geographical barriers and the top 10 candidates will enter an intensive boot camp experience in Johannesburg before the top three winners head to Dubai for the November 2025 world finale.
My advice to any potential entrant is simple: lead with purpose, not perfection. Pageantry is no longer about fitting a mold it's about breaking barriers, telling your story, and using your voice to inspire. Be authentic, prepare yourself mentally and emotionally, and enter with a heart to serve.
Palesa Matjekane, Mrs South Africa 2023 and CEO of Miss Polo Universe Africa
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