When it comes to competing at international pageants like Miss Universe, South Africa is always a favourite. Which is why Mzansi is pinning their hopes on Bryoni Govender to take the crown at the finals this weekend.
The 26-year-old law graduate will represent SA at the grand ceremony on Sunday, 19 November, in El Salvador.
Will she be the fourth woman from SA to win the title?
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BRYONI GOVENDER: ‘I SHOULD BE THE NEXT MISS UNIVERSE’
After arriving in El Salvador, Bryoni Govender has been putting her best foot forward in the Miss Universe prelims.
This includes interviews, fashion shows, and behind-the-scene actions in the build-up to the finale.
Bryoni originally entered Miss SA in 2018 – ultimately won by Tamaryn Green – and placed in the Top 12. She re-entered in 2023 and was placed as first runner-up to winner Natasha Joubert.
She said of her plans to win the crown: “I should be the next Miss Universe because I embody diversity, not only from my country but from around the world.
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“I’m standing for minorities. For women and girls who look like me to know that their differences will become their superpowers”.
FORMER SA WINNERS – WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
With unmatched beauty, intellect, and the pride of our diverse country, it’s no wonder South Africa makes the shortlist when it comes to global pageants.
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To date, three South African women have been crowned Miss Universe. They are:
- Margaret Gardiner – 1978
- Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters – 2017
- Zozi Tunzi – 2019
Additionally, Tamaryn Green placed second runner-up in 2018, and Lalela Mswane was named first runner-up in 2022.
Margaret Gardiner
Despite winning Miss Universe more than four decades ago, Margaret is no stranger to the spotlight.
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Based in the US, the former beauty queen works as an entertainment reporter in Hollywood. She also regularly mixes in celeb circles and always scores an invite to the hottest parties and award shows on the calendar.
Demi-Leigh Tebow
Demi-Leigh also moved to the US after her stint as the title holder. But the brunette bombshell found love in the arms of Tim Tebow, a retired footballer, whom she married in SA in 2020.
The couple spends their time doing charity work and motivational speaking.
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Zozi Tunzi
Zozi was the longest-ever-running Miss Universe. Today she is an accomplished author and has had a stint in both acting and presenting.
She also recently hosted the Miss SA reality show Crown Chasers.
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