Latest news with #MissWorldAfrica
3 days ago
- Entertainment
Rigged? Zoalize fails to make Miss World Top 40
South African pageant fans are crying foul after Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg failed to place in the Top 40 of the Miss World on Saturday, 31 May. The law student was a clear favourite in the run-up to the finale, and she even scooped the award for best designer for her gown inspired by SA's national flower, the Protea. Miss World – which took place in India – was won by Thailand's Opal Suchata. Despite being hailed as a strong contender, Zoalize van Rensburg's fans were shocked when she failed to make the Top 40 or quarter-finals. The first round saw over 100 contestants being whittled down to just 40 finalists – ten for each continental region. Africa's finalists were Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Namibia, Nigeria, Somalia, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Ultimately, Ethiopia's Hasset Dereje was crowned Miss World Africa. Opal Suchata later became the first Thai representative to be crowned Miss World. On social media, pageant fans were shocked that many of their favourites – particularly South Africa's Zoalize – had not made the cut. Pageant enthusiast @the_pageant_prince was shocked at South Africa's exclusion, posting,' Zoalize was loved and the winner on so many pages. And to not make the Top 40, what? It's just not possible!' Others like @ntsxki called out Miss World for essentially rigging the pageant, posting, 'They're eliminating the competition for their pre-determined winner'. Another, @meli0.2 added of Zoalize being snubbed: 'Daylight robbery'. While Miss World South Africa has not officially commented on Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg's early exit, franchise owner Carol Bouwer did repost a telling message from a pageant fan account. It read: 'Today's outcome was deeply disappointing. I know that many people are expecting an outrage from us. But I do hope that we will keep calm and accept the Miss World organisation's decision. 'Speaking ill will not only reflect on us bad as a country. But mess up chances for other representatives in the future'. 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.
Business Insider
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
Miss World Africa Lesego Chombo joins Botswana's cabinet, makes history at 27
Lesego Chombo, Miss Botswana 2022 and the current Miss World Africa 2024 has become the youngest cabinet minister in Botswana's history at the age of 27 after she was recently appointed Minister of Youth and Gender by President Duma Boko. Lesego Chombo, Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024, has been appointed Botswana's youngest cabinet minister at age 27. She serves as the Minister of Youth and Gender, appointed by President Duma Boko due to her impactful advocacy work. Chombo credits her pageantry experience for providing a platform to amplify her voice and drive societal change. She did not campaign. She didn't even know the president. But now she's in charge of solving some of Botswana's biggest problems – from youth unemployment to gender-based violence – and she's already making a splash. 'I've never been more proud of being young,' Chombo said shortly after his appointment. 'I'm passionate about youth development, gender equality, and the future of our children.' From Miss World to Minister A trained lawyer and founder of the Lesego Chombo Foundation, Lesego was appointed as a specially elected MP. "The president has never met me," she admitted. "But I think the work I did and the platform I had helped make the case. Now, she is one of only six women in the 69-member National Assembly and arguably its most talked about issue. With Botswana's youth unemployment above 28%, and nearly two-thirds of the population under 35, Chombo wants to flip that narrative by pushing policies that favor youth-owned businesses, increasing state procurement quotas, and creating a new 'youth ecosystem'. But it was her stance on gender-based violence that drew the most controversial reactions. After voting against a proposal to introduce 'peace desks' for survivors in police stations, some accused her of failing women. Chombo declared saying that the laws already exist, but the real success lies in enforcement. "It hurts to know I could be next," she said after new stats showed more than 100 rapes and 10 murders during the festive period alone. Miss World Africa Lesego Chombo She is now pushing for a tough new Gender-Based Violence Act, and is calling for action across government in schools, hospitals and homes. Chombo says her rise began with her mother and was shaped by her Miss World journey.
