This is why there is no 1st and 2nd Runner-Up at Miss SA
Stephanie Weil, CEO of the Miss South Africa pageant, explained at a press conference why the organisation decided to give up the first and second runner-up positions this year.
On Saturday, LLB graduate, dancer, and model Lalela Mswane was crowned as Miss South Africa 2021 at Grand Arena, Grand West in Cape Town.
READ: Former Miss SA Tamaryn Green and Zesimdumise ‘Ze’ Nxumalo's traditional wedding
The two runners-up were Moratwe Masima, a qualified doctor from Midrand in Gauteng, and BCom Law degree student Zimi Mabunzi from eQonce (King William's Town), Eastern Cape.
Miss South Africa 2021 will represent the country at Miss Universe 2021 in Israel, while the two runners-up will represent the country at Miss World and Miss Supranatural.
READ: Adè van Heerden ties the knot in beautiful white gown
The organisation has not yet announced which runner-up will represent the country at which international pageant.
In previous years, the organisation would announce the 1st and 2nd Runner-Up, however, this year, the organisation decided to forgo the positions.
READ: PHOTOS: Miss South Africa 2021’s first day
According to Stephanie Weil, it is not about placements.
Weil mentioned that one wears the crown but the other two deserve the same journey without placement - making them higher or lower than the other.
Weil believes that each of the two must be ambassadors for South Africa.
"I really like the idea that everybody is on equal footing."
Tune in to the 'Scenic Drive with Rian', weekdays from 16:00-19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Image Credit: Instagram/ Miss South Africa