The Miss SA pageant will crown the 2023 winner, who will wear a brand-new coronet dubbed Mowana, with the “Tree of Life” on Sunday.
The event, which will air on S3, will be held at Sun Bet Arena in Pretoria.
As the new title holder takes in the enormity of the moment in which she becomes a South African ambassador and role model to young people, she will be carrying the weight of the nation’s heritage and of one of the most recognisable symbols of South Africa, a tree that signifies life.
Mowana is the brainchild of Ursula Pule, creative director and co-founder of Nungu Diamonds, the proud sponsor of the new Miss South Africa crown.
Ursula, who has spent several years harnessing her skills in jewellery design, has created memorable pieces for celebrities including Somizi Mhlongo, Connie Ferguson and Dineo Langa.
She said: “My inspiration came from a safari we took in Musina in 2019; from the magnificent Baobab tree, also known as the Tree of Life.
“As you drive into Limpopo, you see these exquisite trees – unlike any other trees – that represent our African heritage.
“The next morning, on a game drive, I saw the sun rising behind a Baobab and I was mesmerized. That was my inspiration and I have carried that vision with me all these years.
“When it was time to design the crown, I thought that there was nothing better to represent our country and our company Nungu Diamonds.”
The design is minimalist and simple to allow the precious stones to speak for themselves.
Kealeboga Pule, CEO and founder of Nungu Diamonds, explained further: “Mowana is the first crown of its kind in South Africa and is made up of over 800 stones comprising diamonds, gemstones and cubic zirconia, the biggest weighing 15 carats.
“As Nungu Diamonds, we were honoured to introduce the 2023 Miss South Africa crown [which is] inspired by the rich heritage of South Africa at the official crown launch in Pretoria.”
Media personality Bonang Matheba returns as the official host of pageant. Matheba was last on the stage when Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss SA in 2019.
On Tuesday, the judges’ panel was revealed on social media, which includes The Woman King actress Thuso Mbedu.
Mbedu will be joined by award-winning investigative journalist Devi Sankaree Govender, Miss SA 2001 Jo-Ann Strauss, Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Nola, and Crown Chasers resident judge Leandie du Randt.
The Miss SA organisation announced that its 2022 live pageant has been nominated for an accolade in the South African Film & Television Awards.
At the helm of the Miss South Africa Organisation is CEO Stephanie Weil. The production staff, who will drive the show again on Sunday, is Black Swan Media and its female-led creative team as the producers and directors.
This includes Relebogile Mabotja, Black Swan Media executive producer and producer, the live Miss South Africa 2022 and 2023 technical director Nadia White, and creative director Azania Muendane.
“We are ecstatic at the nod and recognition for our hard work and being a female-led team makes this even sweeter,” said Mabotja.
“It really boils down to being a collaborative effort of many women, supported by the exceptional nameless faces and minds that work unrecognised behind the scenes.”
Weil said what an honour to be nominated for such a prestigious award. “It is a wonderful recognition of all the hard work the team has put in.
“We look forward to showing Miss South Africa fans and supporters what we have planned this coming weekend. Don’t miss it.”
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