Last night, 29 March, celebrated the crowning of our new Miss South Africa, Liesl Laurie.
The prestigious event was held at the Sun City Super Bowl and the star-studded event was broadcast live on television, with the judging panel consisting of: actress Sophie Ndaba, editor and poet Kojo Baffoe, Annaline Kriel, and Bloemfonrtein designer Casper Bosman. Bonang was set to be part of the panel but had to step down at the last minute due to a clash in her itinerary.
The event itself saw the 12 finalists battle it out, with Liesl Laurie taking the crown title of this year’s Miss SA. The runners-up are Refilwe Mthimunye from Bronkhorstspruit (1st Princess) and Ntsiki Mkhize from Kliprivier, Midvaal (2nd Princess).
The glittering ceremony saw a radiant and overwhelmed Liesl Laurie accept her crown and make her acceptance speech, where she said: “I am ready for the responsibility that has been placed on my shoulders. Taking on the title of Miss South Africa, I look forward to exploring our beautiful country, to see its beautiful landscape but most importantly to connect with its people. I am proud to stand here as an ambassador of South Africa and my fellow South Africans.
“My legacy would be to be a Miss South Africa for South Africans, for the people. I want every person to see a little bit of themselves in me. Being an inspiration and a beacon of hope is what I strive for. I want each person to look at me and remember that one can be as great as you want to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination and the dedication you can achieve anything.”
She also thanked her mentor Tatum Keshwar for her input and advice.
This was the first year that Miss SA instilled a mentorship programme for the contestants, with the mentors being previous reigning Miss SAs.
As Miss South Africa 2015 LIesl has won cash, a car and products valued at nearly R2 million. Included in this package, sponsor Cell C is giving the winner access to R200 000 to spend on random acts of kindness which we know she will spend wisely.
We are so proud of our new Miss SA and decided it was time we get to know her a little better, so here are 10 things you need to know about Liesl Laurie, Miss SA 2015:
- She is 24
- Resides from Eldorado Park in Johannesburg
- She graduated with a B. Com General Degree from the University of Johannesburg (Soweto Campus)
- After graduating she decided to take a year off to pursue a full time modelling career and also to take time and give back to her community. “I have been working with a number of non-profit organisations that include Babies Behind Bars and Pilgrim Oasis Community Children’s Outreach in Eldorado Park and adjacent informal settlement in Kliptown.”
- Her motto is “I will never fit in because I was born to stand out”
- Her favourite show is Suits
- Her role models are her mother and grandmother
- Her favourite music is RnB and pop but enjoys a little bit of every genre including reggae.
- She was crowned the second princess for Miss Soweto in 2010 as well as crowned second princess for Miss Mamelodi Sundowns in 2014
- Her message to young girls is: “It’s not where you come from but where you are going and never let any situation or encounters define who you are. You are more than your struggle and more than your tragedy. You can be and do anything if you believe in yourself. Don’t ever lose the little girl you are or once were as you grow up. Dreaming makes life beautiful and one day fulfilling your dreams will make life worth it. Finally, never forget to thank God for your blessings. Believe in yourself. Be yourself!”