Miss South Africa – or Miss SA – has quelled rampant rumours that there is trouble brewing within the pageant.
This comes months after the organisation – run by CEO Stephanie Weil – closed entries for the crowning of the incoming queen.
Earlier this year, creative director Werner Wessels parted ways with the organisation to pursue other interests.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MISS SA?
On social media, pageant fan accounts have been speculating that something is amiss in the Miss SA organisation.
For many, the following has been a big talking point.
No news of the Top 30 announcement. The Miss SA closed its applications in April. Finalists are typically shortlisted in May, where the road to the finale begins.
Pulling out of Miss Supranational. Last month, pageant organisers announced that the pageant had not renewed its licence to participate in the Miss Supranational. Instead, it had been bought by former queen Bokang Montjane, who will operate it independently of the national competition.
Criticism surrounding Mia Le Roux. The pageant’s first differently abled queen has kept a low profile after her exit from the Miss Universe finale last year due to health reasons.
Werner Wessels’s departure. The creative director was a driving force for many successful Miss SA titleholders who went on to win international pageants, like Zozibini Tunzi, Rolene Strauss, and Demi-Nel Tebow.
Cutting ties from Miss Universe? Rumours are rampant that Miss SA will not renew its licence to participate in the Miss Universe pageant, as it has done with Supra and Miss World.
Zozi Tunzi distancing herself as a former title winner. In 2023, Zozi quietly ended her working relationship with organisers over disputes about her work on the reality show, Crown Chasers. She has since removed “Miss SA” from her Instagram bio.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
This week, Miss SA rubbished claims that the pageant is possibly facing delays and setbacks.
CEO Stephanie Weil said in a statement: “The new Miss SA will be chosen. Planning is well underway for the 67th competition. All details will be announced in the near future.
Weil did not respond to comments about the Miss Universe licence.
DO YOU STILL WATCH AND SUPPORT MISS SA?
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