the first official Miss South Africa pageant in 1956 was only open to white females and was organised 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 Africas, 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 has announced its Top 30 candidates who will be competing for the title later this year.

Viewers will get to meet the finalists on Crown Chasers – The Miss SA reality TV show.

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

Below, FIVE frequently asked questions about the Miss SA pageant that we are willing to bet you didn’t know …

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 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.