Stellenbosch University (SU) alumnus, Lebogang Mahlangu, has been selected as one of the top 15 finalists in this year’s historic Miss South Africa (Miss SA) pageant.
For the first time in its 62-year history, the contestants of the pageant have been unable to compete in person, as a result of nationwide lockdown regulations.
Mahlangu lives and works in Gauteng, and owns a community bakery in Soshanguve. PHOTO: Yuveer Karunchund/ Miss SA
Despite this, the competition has continued to grow and thrive during this period, Stephanie Weil, the CEO of the Miss SA pageant, told MatieMedia.
Miss SA contestants continued to receive thorough coaching in addition to advanced networking, business and life skills, despite disruptions due to Covid-19 regulations.
For Mahlangu, this was one of her favourite aspects of the pageant, even though this year coaching took place via virtual platforms, she said.
“One of my favourite parts of the pageant is the aspect of sharing your ideas and plans with the organisation and the judges,” said Mahlangu, who studied food science at SU until 2018.
At first, it was difficult to share these ideas and plans for the future on virtual platforms, according to Mahlangu. However, her ability to adapt helped her overcome the challenge, she said.
Some events have shifted to Instagram, for example, on which a live reveal of the top 15 finalists took place, presented by the reigning Miss SA, according to Weil.
Miss SA CEO Stephanie Weil and Zozibinzi Tunzi, who was crowned Miss Universe in 2019. PHOTO: Supplied/ Miss SA
According to Mahlangu, the Miss SA platform is one of the few organisations in the country that empowers women by equipping them with business and life skills. Therefore, it is extremely important that the competition is protected and always running, she said.
Adapting to the ‘new normal’
The top 10 finalists still will compete in person and, as always, the final show, which will be aired on 24 October, will feature a number of top South African entertainment acts and designers, said Weil. The only difference is that there won’t be a live audience, but rather millions watching from the comfort of their own homes, Weil said.
“In some ways the pandemic has helped us grow and expand the Miss SA brand,” said Weil.
According to Weil, there have been myriad opportunities for Miss SA fans to engage virtually with this year’s contenders. Fans can make use of online voting through Computicket, as well as follow contestants journeys through social media, as stipulated on the pageant’s various social media platforms.
This year’s crown, named Buhle, was designed by Johan Louw, and will be worn by the winner in late October. PHOTO: Miss SA
“I remember one of the few consistent terms I heard when the pandemic started was ‘adapting to the new normal’, and I am proud to be part of an organisation that has championed this idea,” said Mahlangu.
A veteran’s view
According to Akile Khoza, former Miss SA contestant in 2018 and SU alumnus, Mahlangu’s success is another exciting achievement for SU’s alumni.
“Due to the pandemic, having to compete online thus far, is very much challenging in terms of the contestants this year not being able to interact with each other and build a sisterhood,” said Khoza.
Khoza was a master’s student in Neuroscience at Stellenbosch University during her time as a contestant in Miss South Africa 2018. Photo: Instagram/ @akilekoza