Meet Miss World South Africa's Class of 2024
Jesmika Singh from Durban is among the 10 women hoping to be the next Miss World South Africa.
Miss World South Africa has announced its top 10 finalists for the 2024 title.
The pageant's winner will represent the country at the international competition. Dr Claude Mashego was crowned the first-ever Miss World South Africa in October 2023.
She made it to the top 40 of the Miss World pageant, which was held in India in March 2024. Krystyna Pyszková from the Czech Republic was crowned the new Miss World.
Claude will hand her crown to the next South African hopeful on Saturday, October 5. This year's contestants include a science researcher who hails from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Jesmika Singh is a University of Cape Town master's student passionate about breast cancer research. The 25-year-old's Beauty with a Purpose project is 'Education Meets the Development of Breast Cancer Research'.
"This incredible opportunity and platform offered to me by @missworldsouthafrica, allows me to amplify voices for South African breast cancer patients and advocate for the educational support for our South African children... If you resonate with my message and purpose please follow along because I am dedicated to not only speaking about the change that is needed but implementing it! Let us activate change together!" she said on Instagram.
The former Westville Girls' High School learner says she is "overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement" after placing in the top 10.
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Electrical Engineering student Thembelihle Mnguni is also from KZN, according to a statement released by the Miss World SA organisers.
She was born in Gauteng and currently resides in the province. Her Beauty with a Purpose project, 'Shining Hope', focuses on sustainable energy.
"Shining Hope is an innovative project dedicated to tackling the issue of load shedding in South Africa by introducing sustainable energy solutions. Through initiatives such as installing solar panels in local schools, providing solar-powered lighting for households in rural areas, and establishing community-run micro grids, the project aims to ensure continuous access to electricity despite the challenges of load shedding,” she said.
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Miss South Africa 2023's second runner-up, Nande Mabala, is also in the top 10.
"I am so honoured to be one step closer to my dream of getting the Blue Crown to the South African soil and most importantly to be given the opportunity and resources to serve and change the trajectory of the lives of children in the township. I am excited to take you on the journey of molding my #GoGreenSA project. I initiated the Go Green SA project to focus on using agriculture and soft skills to combat food insecurity," she said.
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The seven other Miss World South Africa finalists are Tshiamo Setlhare, Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg, Ximiyeto Makhubele, Romanda Hombi, Lynique Odendaal, Amber Marais, and Neo Nkhumane.
Rolene Strauss was the last woman from South Africa to win Miss World. She was crowned in 2014.
Other well-known Miss World winners include Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai, Agbani Darego and Leila Lopes.
The date for the next pageant is yet to be revealed, but we're crossing our fingers that the next Miss World South Africa winner takes the title!
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Main image credit: Miss World South Africa (Instagram/@missworldsouthafrica)