Rolene Strauss arrives home

Miss World 2014 Rolene Strauss on Saturday walked out of the arrivals terminal of OR Tambo International Airport to loud cheers, whistles and ululation as South Africans welcomed her home.

Dressed in a blue and white floral print dress - that matched her pageant crown and sash - she waved to the crowd and smiled broadly as photographers snapped away.

The Free State medical student then walked to a stage erected at the airport and sat next to Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula.

Strauss, from Volksrust in Mpumalanga, was crowned Miss World 2014 in London on December 14.

She called on South Africans to support her through her tenure.

"Please come on this journey with me. I will be walking in front but I ask you, be behind me," she told the crowds gathered at OR Tambo International Airport. 

"Many might think since I'm Miss World, I have made it -- but it's a journey."

 

View from my window as I am busy packing to fly home later today. Thank you London for being so kind to me. I literally can't wait to land in South Africa tomorrow! Looking forward to seeing you all...! 😄🙈🌻 #BigBen #MissWorld2014 #HomeComing

A photo posted by Rolene Strauss (@rolenestrauss) on Dec 12, 2014 at 4:00am PST

 

 

Thank you thank you thank you! I will treasure this day forever! One Nation - a Rainbow Nation #ProudlySouthAfrican

Une photo publiée par Rolene Strauss (@rolenestrauss) le Déc. 12, 2014 at 9:27 PST

 

Still can't get over how special today was. My fellow South Africans who waited at OR Tambo airport, the Sowetan choir, Sun International, Cell C and Lead SA... I wish I could thank each and everyone personally... 🌻 I appreciate your support from the bottom of my heart. PS: This is my official Facebook page and I will only post on this page from now on. Xx

Une photo publiée par Rolene Strauss (@rolenestrauss) le Déc. 12, 2014 at 2:35 PST

 

On my way to Volksrust tomorrow! So excited to spend some time in my home town. With my 2nd mom - Manina at OR Tambo airport this morning. 😄 #MissWorld2014 #Homecoming

Une photo publiée par Rolene Strauss (@rolenestrauss) le Déc. 12, 2014 at 2:46 PST

 

How will I ever be able to thank you South Africa? You have made my homecoming so extremely special. I will treasure this day forever! One Nation - a Rainbow Nation #ProudlySouthAfrican

A photo posted by Rolene Strauss (@rolenestrauss) on Dec 12, 2014 at 9:24am PST

 

A very emotional Strauss thanked South Africans for coming out in their numbers to welcome her.

"I have no words to describe how I'm feeling right now," she said.

Sports minister Fikile Mbalula also spoke at the welcoming ceremony, saying Strauss would make the country -- and the late Nelson Mandela --very proud.

"Nelson Mandela is smiling on us for his idea of a united nation, a rainbow is alive," he said.

Strauss walked around after her speech and signed autographs for the crowd.

Earlier, the crowd cheered, whistled and ululated as Strauss walked out of the arrivals terminal.

Placards were held up by her fans, including one that read: "Marry me Rolene".

The last time a South African won the title was in 1974 when Anneline Kriel was crowned Miss World.

Before her, Penny Coelen-Rey, was, in 1958, the first South African to be lauded as the most beautiful woman in the world by the pageant judges at the time.

Rolene has since arrived home in Volksrust, where she celebrated her win with her family at a local restaurant called Stucky's Guesthouse. 

 

Daddy's Girl! My favourite dish at Stucky's - Oxtail! #HomeComing #Volksrust pic.twitter.com/XkjECsSTYg

— Rolene Strauss (@RoleneStrauss) December 21, 2014

Thank you for the special time here in Volksrust, I will treasure this forever. 🐞 #HomeComing #Volksrust pic.twitter.com/udjYqKJ4lV

— Rolene Strauss (@RoleneStrauss) December 21, 2014