Rumours are swirling that the 2025 Miss South Africa (Miss SA) pageant has been canned after coming under new ownership.
However, organisers have insisted that this isn’t the case, despite an official date not being set.
The speculation comes amid the resignation of former CEO Stephanie Weil, who recently stepped down after helming the company since 2019.
The pageant has yet to announce the Top 30 finalists.
HAS MISS SA BEEN CANNED?
This week, Miss SA organisers confirmed that the pageant would go ahead this year, albeit at a later date.
“That’s not correct”, spokesperson Kenneth Makhanya said this week.
In a press statement last month, organisers said the event would take place later in 2025 to “ensure the alignment with international and other global events.”
Images via Instagram:
@official_misssa
It added: “The organisation, through its affiliated companies, aims to broaden the reach and impact of the pageant and its contestants.
Organisers stated that the pageant would be rebranded to include the pillars of entrepreneurship, job creation, cultural awareness, and social cohesion.
WHO OWNS THE ORGANISATION?
The Miss SA organisation now forms part of the Motsepe Group of Companies, owned by Patrice Motsepe, one of South Africa’s wealthiest businessmen.
Last month, Africa Fashion International (AFI) – the fashion partner of Miss SA – revealed that it was now the “sister company” of the beauty pageant.
AFI is run by Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, the wife of Patrice Motsepe.
Miss SA was previously owned by Stephanie Weil’s Weil Entertainment, who succeeded Sun International’s reign.
WHO WILL REPRESENT SA AT MISS UNIVERSE?
Meanwhile, South Africans and pageant fans are wondering who will represent the country at the Miss Universe pageant, which takes place on 21 November in Thailand.
If a new Miss SA is not crowned in time for the international competition, it’s unlikely reigning queen Mia Le Roux will compete again.
Last year, the partially-deaf winner dropped out of the competition during the preliminary stages, citing health reasons.
DO YOU THINK THE MISS SA PAGEANT HAS RUN ITS COURSE?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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