Miss South Africa ushers in a new era with Basetsana Kumalo and Peggy-Sue Khumalo as co-chairs

After a rough season, Miss South Africa is entering a new era, and they have had to make strategic changes that ensure the pageant remains relevant in today’s society.

​Former titleholders Basetsana Kumalo and Peggy-Sue Khumalo have been announced as co-chairs of Miss South Africa.

​They will serve as mentors to the contestants, who are now viewed as ambassadors. Basetsana and Peggy-Sue have made strides in their careers from the young women who were crowned in 1994 and 1996.

​Viewers, unfortunately, will not get to see Basetsana and Peggy-Sue in action and giving the young women the tips that helped them succeed in their journeys that were kick-started by Miss South Africa, as there will be no “Crown Chasers”.

​“Crown Chasers” is the reality show that documents the Top 10 hopefuls’ journey to the crown, and with the element of the co-chairs, the season would be entertaining. Organisers have, however, said it is a possibility for 2025.

​Basetsana, who is a big advocate for mentorship and is a beacon for inspiration as to what the Miss South Africa platform can do for contestants

​“At that time, it was a critical time in our history to give the platform relevance to get the platform a stage where it could showcase what young women can achieve,” said Basetsana.

​“And where we find ourselves in 2025, it's still such a relevant platform for empowerment for transformation for young women to really use it to cut themselves into different facets of their lives, and that’s why the new era is exciting for me, particularly as a co-chair.

​“It's really reigniting that essence of Miss South Africa, the importance of Miss South Africa in the times that we're living in.”

​Basetsana added that over the years, women who have won the competition have become trailblazers in their careers and have understood the Miss SA platform and how to use it to not only take themselves forward, but also the impact it has on others.

​Peggy-Sue reflected on the current era of Miss South Africa and how it ties into the current activities of the country. “When I look at this new Miss South Africa era, it’s rooted in the global conversations that have been happening in our country with the G20.

​“As a country, we are reflecting on whether we, as people, government, and business, have done enough. What we need now is more activists in our country who will champion social change and social sustainability.”

​The first official Miss South Africa pageant took place in 1956, with Norma Vorster crowned the winner.

​Since then, numerous women have been crowned; notable moments include the first Black Miss South Africa, Jacqueline Palesa Mofokeng, who won the title in 1993.

​Miss SA has not been without challenges; the cracks have been evident. The last two to three years have been rocky. From the internal squabbles that caused murmurs of friction to the public fallout of contestant Chidimma Adetshina’s exit, it’s been a lot.

​This year, the pageant lost two major players to the organisation; Werner Wessels, renowned for his expertise in the world of pageantry, officially stepped down as the Creative Director, and Stephanie Weil stepped down as CEO of Miss South Africa.

​Wessels has been replaced by Sean Lane, who has previously worked with the organisation. He gives credit where due, recalling all Wessels did during his time, but he's aware of all the work needed on the legacy brand to accommodate both the older and younger generations, while keeping the pageantry formulas.

​Along the way, the journey plans for Miss SA to take place in August, as per tradition, changed to ensure greater alignment with international and other global events”.

​The Miss South Africa organisation also had behind-the-scenes changes, with it joining the companies under the Motsepe family group.

​After a very long wait, in September, the Top 10 and a date for the finale on October 25 were announced.

​The rushed timeline, however, does not allow for Miss SA to actually align with international events as there is no time for the organisation to prepare the winner for Miss Universe, which takes place on November 21.

​The Miss South Africa Organisation has announced that contestant Lebohang Msimanga, has made the decision to voluntarily withdraw from the competition. After deep reflection, she concluded that stepping back at this time would best serve her individual path and well-being.

​Organisers have promised that the finale will be nothing short of spectacular, with modest designs, fresh artists and music, local and young designers.

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