Current Miss South Africa, Lalela Mswane, took the disappointing exit from the Miss Universe pageant and turned it into glory when she became the first black woman to be crowned at this year’s Miss Supranational pageant.
Watch: Lalela Mswane crowned 2022 Miss Supranational
Mswane’s Miss SA tenure will go down in history as, perhaps, the most eventful. The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) native braved the storm of a Miss SA pageant held during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mswane endured attacks on social media when she went against the grain and competed in the 2021 Miss Universe pageant, held in Israel, where she finished third.
On Friday, however, the sheer strength of this queen was exhibited in all of its glory when she made history as the first black woman to be crowned Miss Supranational.
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“I don’t think words could express my gratitude for this experience. The people I have crossed paths with, the memories I have made and the things I have learnt have all been so enriching,” the pageant queen wrote on Instagram.
Here is the crowning moment that’s since gone viral:
What perks will she get?
Miss Supranational is regarded as the third-largest pageant, following Miss Universe and Miss World. The pageant contest prides itself on showcasing the natural beauty and grace of aspirational women.
Mswane is the first black woman to be crowned Miss Supranational and the second African to ship the crown out of the pageant’s host country, Poland.
Namibia’s Chanique Rabe won the 2021 Miss Supranational pageant and walked away with a $35 000 (est. R598 217 in 2022) cash prize and a 12-month contract with Nowa Scena, the production company behind the competition.
While it’s likely that Mswane may receive the same prize package, for Miss SA, this is yet another historical feat added to the organisation’s impressive streak.
