Latest news with #MissSouthAfrica
IOL News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Controversy reigns: inside the Miss South Africa pageant's most tumultuous year yet
Miss SA 2024, Mia le Roux who was a part of the pageant's controversies after she withdrew from the Miss Universe beauty pageant, a few hours before the finale. Image: Instagram The most popular and prestigious pageant in Mzansi, Miss South Africa, has been the talk of the town for the past few months, and it has not been for the right reasons. What was once regarded as a glamorous and riveting pageant has turned into a controversial pageant that has netizens raising eyebrows. From last year's scandal involving Chidimma Adetshina to the resignation of prominent people in the organisation and the postponement of the pageant itself, it has been a bumpy road for the glamorous event. Here are the top controversies of Miss SA that made headlines: Chidimma Adetshina's tumultuous journey in the beauty pageant world It all began with Nigeria's beauty queen, Chidimma Adetshina, whose citizenship was questioned by South Africans as they claimed online that her name is rather unfamiliar in South Africa. Every week, Adetshina would be trending all over social media as she faced online backlash with people calling for her withdrawal from the beauty pageant. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Petitions, interviews and online conversations were all about the 24-year-old whose identity was questioned countless times and the Department of Home Affairs even got involved. It conducted an investigation and found prima facie evidence that her mother, Anabella Rungo, committed identity theft and fraud in the year that Adetshina was born, 2001. Just a few days before the finale, Adetshina announced that she was withdrawing from Miss SA due to the backlash and for the safety of her and her family. But her journey in the beauty pageant industry did not end there because soon after her withdrawal, the Miss Universe Nigeria organisation released a statement saying that they are inviting Adetshina to compete in their pageant. This turn of events stunned many as they did not anticipate Adetshina taking part in another beauty pageant. After the Miss SA finale show, the beauty queen took to Instagram to announce that she is accepting the invitation to participate in Nigeria. Adetshina rose against all odds as she won the crown of Miss Universe Nigeria and represented her home country at the globally acclaimed Miss Universe. The controversial beauty queen even made history for Nigeria as she reached the top two, making it the first time for the African country to reach that far in the competition since 2001. Mia le Roux withdrew from Miss Universe 2025 The entire nation in South Africa was excited and rallied behind the first-ever hearing-impaired beauty queen in the history of beauty pageants. Her participation in the industry was seen as inspirational and one of its kind; the excitement of having a beauty queen like Le Roux transformed a lot of people's perceptions about pageants. It also shifted how differently-abled people in our communities are viewed. Le Roux's impact showed that one's dream, no matter how far-fetched it may seem, is attainable. Le Roux showcased her journey, from the preparations to go to Mexico to the behind-the-scenes of what is happening in the glamorous Miss Universe competition. However, things took a turn when the Miss Universe organisation revealed that Le Roux had withdrawn from the competition, citing health reasons. A few days after the announcement, Le Roux came forward and revealed that she withdrew because she experienced vertigo symptoms, which took a physical strain on her and prompted her to bow out of the pageant, just a few hours before the finale. Werner Wessels left the Miss SA organisation In January, Werner Wessels shocked the nation after he announced his departure from the Miss SA organisation. Wessels took to Instagram as he shared a statement which confirmed that he is leaving the organisation and stepping down from his role as the creative director. His departure marked the end of a remarkable chapter since he played a pivotal role in guiding several South African queens to victory on the global stage. While his departure was a jaw-dropping announcement, Wessels later on joined the Miss Supranational organisation. The announcement of Wessels' new venture was announced by the president of the Miss Supranational organisation, Gerhard Parzutka von Lipsinski. Wessels was appointed the brand development consultant effective immediately. Miss South Africa organisation not participating in the 2025 Miss Supranational beauty pageant A few months after Werner left the organisation, Miss SA announced that it would not be participating in the Miss Supranational pageant for 2025. The announcement came after fans kept asking if either Le Roux or the Miss SA first runner-up, Nompumelelo Maduna, would represent Mzansi in Poland. In May, the organisation revealed that, based on a mutual decision, it would not take part in the global pageant, and the license for Miss Supranational was not renewed. Stephanie Weil stepped down as CEO While many were flabbergasted over the past events of what was taking place in the organisation, an announcement about someone leaving the organisation again followed, and this time it was the CEO. Miss SA shared a statement that an agreement about Weil leaving the organisation was reached. However, she will still continue to help the new team/organisers transition into their new roles. Many former beauty queens paid tribute to Weil on social media for her work in the organisation for all these years and the platform she gave them to help make their dreams come true. Miss SA organisation postponing the annual pageant For many South Africans or beauty pageant lovers, this was the nail in the coffin. What was deemed as an annual and celebrated pageant got postponed. Usually the Miss SA pageant took place from early on in the year in May until August. This time period was exciting for pageant enthusiasts as they would see the journey behind one becoming a beauty queen. However, in July, the organisation revealed that the highly anticipated and glitzy pageant will no longer be taking place in August as it has been pushed to a later date in the year. Netizens were left disappointed, but they expressed on social media that they saw the delay coming, while others shared that they do not think that there will be a Miss SA pageant this year.
The South African
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Who will represent South Africa at Miss Universe?
Miss SA organisers have postponed their 2025 edition to 'a later date' in the year, pending a rebranding under new management. What does this mean for the Miss Universe pageant, which takes place in less than three months' time? With Miss SA indefinitely postponed, pageant fans are eager to know who will represent the country at the Miss Universe pageant, which takes place on 21 November in Thailand. Should a new queen be crowned, they will undoubtedly have less time to prepare for the international competition. Pageant enthusiast and YouTuber Rina Hendriks told The South African : 'It is difficult to say who, if anyone, will represent South Africa. The Miss South Africa organisers have not been forthcoming when they have been confronted with questions of whether or not they even still hold the Miss Universe license to send a candidate there. 'In 2023, they got rid of the Miss World license without releasing a statement to the public. 'If they do, however, still hold the license for Miss Universe, then it is possible that they may still have the Miss South Africa 2025 pageant before Miss Universe starts in November. 'If the Miss South Africa Organisation does not host a pageant before November, it is always possible for them to appoint someone, likely the runner-up from 2024, or someone else who has not previously competed at Miss Universe'. If a new Miss SA is not crowned in time for Miss Universe, it's unlikely reigning queen Mia Le Roux will compete again. Last year, the partially-deaf winner dropped out of the competition during the preliminary stages, citing health reasons. Mia Le Roux dropped out of Miss Universe over health via Instagram: @mialerouxx Like her predecessor, Natasha Joubert, who was unplaced in the 2021 edition, Mia is prohibited from entering again, as per the competition's rules. Meanwhile, Miss SA organisation will now be part of the Motsepe Group of Companies, owned by Patrice Motsepe, one of SA's wealthiest businessmen. Earlier this month, Africa Fashion International (AFI) – the fashion partner of Miss SA – revealed that it was now the 'sister company' of the beauty pageant. Miss SA now falls under the Motsepe Group of Companies. Images via Instagram: @motsepefoundation/ @official_misssa 'AFI and the Miss South Africa organisation are proud members of a larger, family-owned group of companies, united by a shared vision for creativity and excellence', read a statement posted on their social media platforms. AFI is run by Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, the wife of Patrice Motsepe. WHO SHOULD REPRESENT SA AT THE MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Young Welverdiend model uses pageantry to champion mental health and social justice
Keabetsoe Nche, a passionate 19-year-old model from Welverdiend, is currently making waves as a semi-finalist in the Miss Face of Gauteng 2025 pageant. But Keabetsoe is more than just a pretty face—she's a rising voice for social justice and mental health awareness, using her platform to spark conversations that matter. In line with one of her semi-finalist tasks, Keabetsoe launched a heartfelt social media campaign titled 'JusticeForAllMinds.' The campaign explores the link between social injustice and mental health, highlighting how unfair treatment in society can deeply impact one's emotional well-being. 'This campaign reflects what I truly value. I want to show how the injustice experienced by one can affect the mental health of many,' said Keabetsoe. 'It's not just a task—it's part of who I am.' Her modelling journey began in 2021, but her passion was sparked much earlier. Inspired by fashion magazines and TV commercials, Keabetsoe saw modelling as a space where she belonged. Despite being teased about her slim body growing up, she turned those comments into confidence boosters, with people often calling her 'Miss South Africa.' Her first official pageant, Miss Carletonville 2021, was a triumph—she walked away with the Teen Winner title. This win gave her the momentum to enter more competitions, eventually earning titles such as: 2nd Princess (Teen) at Mr and Miss Exotic 2022 Miss Elite Merafong Overall Winner 2022 Miss West Rand Exclusive Semi-Finalist She's also received several modelling certificates, including awards for Best Interview, Best Theme Wear, Best Hair, and Upcoming Model—clear signs of her growing influence in the industry. Now, as a proud semi-finalist for Miss Face of Gauteng 2025, Keabetsoe is working hard to secure a spot in the grand finale scheduled for 27 September 2025. From completing tasks to participating in impactful events, she is embracing the journey with pride and purpose. 'I'm having the time of my life. Preparing for tasks, influencing others positively, and taking part in community events has been the highlight of my journey,' she shared. One such event was the NUM Mandela Day celebration at Zanele Mtshali Disability Home in Khutsong, which left a lasting impression on her. Looking ahead, Keabetsoe hopes to continue entering meaningful pageants that foster personal growth and professional development. She's also eyeing the commercial modelling world as part of her dream. 'I want to be a voice for the voiceless and inspire others—especially aspiring models and those outside the industry—to fight for their rights and believe in their worth,' she added. To make it to the finals, Keabetsoe needs your support! She is currently selling tickets at R400 each and needs more public votes to qualify for the final stage. 📲 To support her: Facebook: Keabetsoe Nche Instagram: @ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
22-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
New sheriff in town? Motsepe family now control Miss SA
The Miss South Africa organisation will now be part of the Motsepe Group of Companies, owned by Patrice Motsepe, one of SA's wealthiest businessmen. The organisation recently revealed that Miss SA 2025 had been postponed to later in the year. This follows the resignation of former CEO Stephanie Weil, who stepped down earlier this month after helming the company since 2019. Earlier this month, Africa Fashion International (AFI) – the fashion partner of Miss SA – revealed that it was now the 'sister company' with the beauty pageant. 'AFI and the Miss South Africa organisation are proud members of a larger, family-owned group of companies, united by a shared vision for creativity and excellence', read a statement posted on their social media platforms. AFI was founded in 2007 by Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, the wife of billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe. The fashion empire organises events like Cape Town and Joburg Fashion Week, and manages a catalogue of African creatives through its luxury labels. Miss SA was previously owned by Sun International, a South African hotel and event conglomerate. In 2019, Sun International sold the rights to the pageant to Weil Entertainment, whose owner is CEO Stephanie Weil. Before that, the pageant was sponsored by publications including the Sunday Times, Rapport, and the now defunct Afrikaans newspaper , Die Landstem. Under the wing of AFI, the pageant will now 'embark on this strategic journey together, leveraging our unique strengths to drive growth and innovation.' Apart from Miss SA, the Motsepe family owns companies in various industry sectors, from mining to telecommunications, insurance, banking, property, and even fashion and sports. With a net worth of $3 billion (R55.35 billion), Patrice Motsepe was named South Africa's first black billionaire and the first black African to make the Forbes Richest list in 2008. South African billionaire businessman, Patrice Motsepe. Image: X @CAF Patrice is the brother of Dr Tshepo Motsepe, the wife of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Herald
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Miss South Africa 2025 postponed due to global events
The Miss South Africa organisation has announced the postponement of the pageant to a later date in 2025. This is to ensure greater alignment with international and other global events. 'The organisation, through its affiliated companies, aims to broaden the reach and impact of the pageant and its contestants,' spokesperson Kenneth Makhanya said. 'The pillars of the organisation will be expanded to include entrepreneurship, job creation, cultural awareness and social cohesion.' The Miss SA pageant typically takes place in August. Entries for the 2025 pageant opened on April 2 and closed on April 11. Concerns have been raised about the prolonged announcement of the top 30 contestants. 'The organisers of the Miss South Africa contest are making good progress with the preparations for the contest, which will be a huge success,' the organisation said. The postponement comes after Miss SA CEO Stephanie Weil stepped down from her role earlier this month. Creative director Werner Wessels also resigned earlier this year. In May, the organisation pulled out of the Miss Supranational international competition.
