The first official Miss South Africa pageant in 1956 was only open to white females and was organised in order to send a representative to London for the Miss World pageant.

That year, Norma Vorster was crowned Miss South Africa.

Two years later, an 18-year-old secretary from Durban, Penny Coelen, was crowned the winner and would go on to make history and win Miss World.

It was not until 1977 that all persons of all races were allowed to compete in the Miss SA competition.

 

THREE MISS SA WINNERS HAVE BEEN CROWNED MISS WORLD
Miss South Africa (or a runner-up in some instances) has always competed at Miss World, but the first Miss South Africa to compete at Miss Universe was Kerishnie Naicker in 1998.

Prior to 1998, South Africa’s representatives at Miss Universe qualified via other national pageants.

Three Miss South Africans, namely Rolene Strauss, Anneline Kriel and Penelope Coelen, won Miss World titles in 2014, 1974 and 1958, respectively.

Three women from South Africa have won the title of Miss Universe – Margaret Gardiner in 1978, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters in 2017 and Zozibini Tunzi in 2019.

This year’s Miss SA winner will succeed reigning Miss SA Natasha Joubert.

Meanwhile, as reported by The South African website, the Miss South African Organisation announced its Top 30 candidates in the running for the title on 10 August.

Viewers are in the process of getting to know the finalists on Crown Chasers – The Miss SA reality TV show.

The six-part series started on SABC3 on Saturday, 29 June and airs at 20:30.

Below, 10 frequently asked questions about the Miss SA pageant you should know …

CAN I ENTER IF I HAVE DUAL CITIZENSHIP OR IF I AM ONLY A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF SA?
Miss South Africa entrants must be South African citizens and in possession of a valid South African ID document or passport. If an applicant holds dual citizenship, they must provide details of both on the entry form.

HOW OLD MUST I BE TO BE ELIGIBLE TO ENTER?
An applicant to enter this year’s competition must be at least 20 years old and must be under 30 years of age as of 10 August 2024. An applicant can turn 30 within their year of reign.

DO I NEED A MATRIC QUALIFICATION AND/OR A DEGREE?
No, there are no minimum qualifications required to enter.

DO I HAVE TO HAVE BEEN BORN A FEMALE TO ENTER?
You do not have to have been born a female to enter the Miss South Africa pageant.

However, in order to be eligible to compete internationally, the contestant must be in possession of a valid South African ID document reflecting that their amended sex is female.

CAN I BE A GUARDIAN OF A CHILD OR HAVE GIVEN BIRTH TO A CHILD?
There are no restrictions in respect of the applicant’s parental status or appointment as a legal guardian of a child.

CAN I ENTER IF I AM CURRENTLY MARRIED OR HAVE BEEN MARRIED?
There are no restrictions in respect of the applicant’s marital status.

CAN I HAVE VISIBLE TATTOOS OR PIERCINGS?
There are no restrictions in terms of tattoos or piercings.

ARE THERE HEIGHT AND/OR WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS?
No, there are no height or weight specifications or requirements.

DO MY SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS NEED TO BE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS?
When entering Miss South Africa, we require that ALL of your social media accounts are public accounts (not private accounts). It is important to indicate on your entry form whether you have more than one personal social media account/s on any social media platform, and list them all. Most importantly, it is not a requirement that an applicant have a large social media following to be eligible to enter Miss South Africa 2024.

HOW BIG OF A FINANCIAL INVESTMENT DO I NEED TO MAKE IN ORDER TO ENTER?
You don’t need to make any financial investment to enter the Miss South Africa pageant – the Miss South Africa Organisation doesn’t want anyone to put themselves into a precarious financial situation. What we want in terms of investment is your commitment and passion!

Celebrity sangoma Gogo Maweni and her husband, Sabelo Mgube, continue to build their real estate portfolio brick by brick after adding another property to their name.

A LOOK AT GOGO MAWENI’S PROPERTIES WORTH MILLIONS
The two have undoubtedly been winning big lately. They recently grabbed headlines after they took to social media to show off their new property. Taking to Instagram, celebrity Sangoma Gogo Maweni shared a video of their new house, which was having a revamp.

 

 

 

 

She captioned the now-viral post, “I’ve got no time for the streets…new project loading ❤️ renovating our new home Dear God and the ancestors, give us strength and continue to bless us ❤️ cc @velabahleke_the_king.”

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Gogo Maweni – Mrs Mgube (@dr_maweni)

However, Mzansi was more than convinced that it was a subtle flex from the sangoma, dubbed the wealthiest South African traditional healer. Mzansi was more than convinced that the house was the latest addition to their property portfolio, which, according to reports, now has at least five houses.

However, against the trends, The South African connected the dots about some of her rumoured properties. Despite splurging thousands on designer clothes that cost a fortune, Gogo Maweni has furnished her craze for real estate with several properties dotted around the country.

OTHER HOUSES
According to reports, Gogo Maweni and her husband have more than five properties. However, she has shared some of their properties on social media. Little is known about their first three properties, but she once shared their fourth property on Instagram.

On 2 April, the bubbly sangoma confirmed her fourth purchase in an Instagram post. The house is reportedly in Fairlands.

Gogo Maweni shared photos of the property and captioned them, “When God and our ancestors say YES! No one can say NO! We bagged our fourth property @velabahleke_the_king. Here’s to hard work, dedication, and success. Together, we are unstoppable, my love. Let’s make memories.”

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Gogo Maweni – Mrs Mgube (@dr_maweni)

Barely two months later, she shared a video of another property, which she referred to as a new house, leaving Mzansi convinced that she had added another property to their portfolio. Gogo Maweni and her husband have also been building a flat in the leafy suburbs of Johannesburg.

The property will be available for rent, and they are now working on some final touches. She often posts progress updates on social media, with the latest post dating back to 24 June.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Gogo Maweni – Mrs Mgube (@dr_maweni)

Apart from houses, the celebrity sangoma revealed her plans to open a lush restaurant in Sandton. In 2023, Gogo Maweni bought a residential house in Sandton, which she said would be demolished to start an upscale bar and restaurant called Kwa Maweni.

INCOME STREAMS
Her colourful portfolio has undoubtedly thrust her into top trends. Many have been trying to connect the dots about her income streams. Gogo Maweni cashes in from ambassadorial gigs, sangoma practice and reality TV.

In a heartwarming gesture, Flavor Flav and Alexis Ohanian have come to the rescue of US Olympian Veronica Fraley. Veronica was struggling to cover her rent just days before competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

FLAVOR FLAV AND OHANIAN HELP OUT
Fraley, who was set to compete in the women’s discus throw, took to social media on Thursday to express her frustration.

 
“I compete in the Olympic Games TOMORROW and can’t even pay my rent 😒,” she wrote on X.

“My school only sent about 75% of my rent while they pay football players (who haven’t won anything 😂) enough to buy new cars and houses 👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾.”

Flavor Flav, the iconic rapper and former reality TV star, swiftly responded to Fraley’s plea, according to Page Six.

“I gotchu,,, DM me and I’ll send payment TODAY so you don’t have to worry bout it TOMORROW,,, and imma be rooting for ya tomorrow LETZ GO,!!!”

Flav, whose real name is William Jonathan Drayton Jr., offered his support on X.

FLAVOR FLAV AND OHANIAN SUPPORT FRALEY
The 65-year-old musician has been making headlines recently for his philanthropic efforts. These include his sponsorship of the US women’s water polo team.

True to his word, Flavor Flav followed up with a screenshot of his payment to Fraley. This demonstrated his commitment to helping the athlete.

“Imma try and come by and support you in person tomorrow ,,, LMK what time,” he wrote, showing his enthusiasm and support.

In a generous display of solidarity, Alexis Ohanian also stepped up to assist, according to the New York Post.

FLAVOR FLAV AND OHANIAN’S HEARTFELT GESTURE
The Reddit co-founder and husband of tennis legend Serena Williams responded to Fraley’s post with, “C’mon now! I’ll split it with @flavorfav.”

Ohanian then shared a screenshot of his donation, amounting to R 157 600. He had sent via Venmo with “‘Murica” written alongside it.

“Update! It is done,” Ohanian announced on X, confirming that his part of the donation was complete.

The tech mogul, known for his charitable work, explained that he chose to contribute R 157 600. This reflected the number of his firm, Seven Seven Six.

OLYMPIANS AND SALARIES
Fraley, overwhelmed with gratitude, responded with a heartfelt message.

“THANK YOU & @FlavorFlav SO MUCH 😭🥹 this makes every difference in the WORLD & I hope to represent Team USA well this week 🇺🇸❤️,” she wrote.

Her appreciation highlights the impact of their support, especially in a time of financial strain.

Olympians often face financial challenges, as they do not receive a salary for competing, according to Entertainment Weekly.

According to NBC, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee offers financial incentives of R 742 500 for gold medals, R 472 500 for silver, and R 337 500 for bronze.

FINANCIAL HARDSHIP
However, these amounts do not cover all the expenses athletes incur while preparing for and competing in the Games.

Fraley’s story underscores the financial pressures many Olympians face, despite their immense dedication and talent.

With the support from Flavor Flav and Alexis Ohanian, Fraley can now focus on her competition without the added worry of financial hardship.

HUMAN SPIRIT
As she prepares to compete in the women’s discus throw, Fraley’s supporters, including Flav and Ohanian, will be cheering her on from afar.

Their actions not only demonstrate their commitment to supporting athletes but also highlight the broader issue of financial support for Olympians.

Congolese-born businessman Serge Cabonge is saddened by how some South Africans are treating one of their own, Chidimma Adetshina.

 
SERGE CABONGE: ‘WE ARE ALL AFRICANS’
The businessman tells TshisaLIVE that he’s disappointed at the xenophobic commentary about Chidimma Adetshina, who is a Miss SA finalist .

“We’re all Africans at the end of the day and other nations are laughing at us because we can so easily be divided by something like a beauty pageant. I’ve just concluded, Africans are hazards to themselves”, he says.

He asks, if there would be scrutiny like this if Adetshina was a European. He also asks if we were going to hear such nasty remarks if she would’ve won Miss World.

“But I love what Gayton McKenzie said, that he is waiting for information and records of what transpired. We need to consider where this young girl grew up.”

CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA: HIGH SCHOOL SUPPORTS HER
Chidimma Adetshina’s former high school, Hoerskool Bosmansdam High School in Cape Town congratulates her for being a Miss SA finalist.

The school said on their Facebook that they are bursting with pride after Adetshina made it as a Top 16 finalist in the pageant.

“Our star shines bright in Miss South Africa! We are bursting with pride to announce that Chidimma Adetshina, one of our past pupils, has made it as a Top 16 finalist in Miss South Africa!”

“This incredible achievement is a testament to her dedication, grace, and hard work. As a school, we couldn’t be more thrilled to see her excel on such a prestigious platform.”

“We wish her all the best as she continues to shine and inspire others. Go forth and make us even prouder! The entire school community is cheering for you!”

Miss SA organisation reveals that the model, who is currently a Top 11 finalist is from Soweto, Gauteng, and is studying law at Varsity College.

Who do you think will be the next Miss SA?

With Sony pushing ahead with a reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer, set for release in July 2025, a familiar face from the sequel has expressed interest in returning: Brandy.

BRANDY AND ‘I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER’
The 1998 film, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, featured Brandy alongside Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr.

Though the sequel didn’t match the success of its predecessor, Brandy’s role as Karla Wilson remains memorable.

Sony’s recent announcement about the reboot included the news that Love Hewitt and Prinze Jr. will reprise their roles.

Director Jenn Kaytin Robinson has confirmed that the 1998 sequel will be considered canon in the new film, according to the Daily Mail.

BRANDY’S CHARACTER ‘KARLA’This revelation sparked excitement among fans and led to a push for Brandy’s return.

While promoting Disney Channel’s new sequel, Descendants: The Rise of Red, Brandy revealed her surprise about the reboot.

“I didn’t know Sony was putting that together. That’s interesting!” she admitted during an interview, according to People.

When asked if she was keeping her involvement a secret, she assured fans otherwise. “I’m not pulling a fast one on you. I did not know that.”

BRANDY READY TO RETURN
Brandy’s character, Karla, survived the events of I Still Know What You Did Last Summer.

She survived the film’s climax and was left “bloodied up, ready to go,” according to Brandy.

The singer turned actress is keen to return. “I need them to give me a call because I survived in that movie!” she stated.

“Jennifer, Freddie, hit me up.”

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER FRANCHISE
The original I Know What You Did Last Summer, released in 1997, was a box office hit. It grossed $125 million (R 2.39 billion) worldwide.

It starred Hewitt, Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Ryan Phillippe.

The sequel, set in college, didn’t perform as well but still holds a special place in fans’ hearts, according to Vibe.

LATEST ACTING ROLES
Brandy’s latest projects include a role in the Disney Channel’s Descendants: The Rise of Red, released on Disney Plus on 12 July and debuting on Disney Channel on 9 August.

She also stars in A24’s thriller The Front Room, hitting theatres on 6 September.

As Brandy continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, her enthusiasm for revisiting her horror roots is clear.

“I did not die in that film,” she confirmed, hoping her return to the franchise will be on the horizon.