WATCH: Miss SA crowned Second Runner-Up at Miss Universe 2021
Miss South Africa 2021, Lalela Mswane, has been crowned Miss Universe 2nd Runner-Up.
Lalela Mswane, who became Miss South Africa in October, has been in the eye of a storm of controversy since she won the title.
Since Miss Universe announced that this year's pageant will be in Israel, there has been a growing call from South Africans, civil rights groups, and political parties for Mswane to boycott the pageant in protest against Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.
READ: Miss SA 2021 Lalela Mswane shows us her ultimate talent
The South African government withdrew support for Miss SA to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.
Over the past weekend, a debate has erupted on social media after Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane wore a dove of peace outfit at the Miss Universe pageant.
The 24-year-old dazzled in a dove costume to show the culture of South Africa and “its spirit of Ubuntu”. One Twitter user said that she is representing herself and not the country.
READ: Lalela Mswane ‘will travel to Israel’ for Miss Universe pageant
“A nation that has shown that lasting peace can be achieved. She is honoured to bring this message of hope to the global stage,” read the caption of a post by Miss South Africa on Twitter.
On Monday morning, 13 December, Mswane was crowned as the Second Runner-Up, while India's Harnaaz Sandhu took home the crown at the 70th edition of Miss Universe.
Congratualtions, Lalela Mswane!
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Image Credit: Instagram/ Lalela Mswane/ Zahira Amod (glamfuel)