While at the beginning of the journey there were 12 finalists, only 11 women will be walking across the stage at the SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria. The finalist representing the Northern Cape, Levern Donnatella José, withdrew from the pageant after allegations of bullying surfaced. It was alleged that during her high school days, she participated in bullying other girls.

The 23-year-old apologised for her actions in a statement, should they have harmed anyone. “As a survivor of bullying, I learned how to protect myself from bullying during my school years. If my actions in protecting myself caused harm to anyone, I offer my sincere apologies.” 

This, as the organisation labelled the allegations as “baseless”.

The women still in the running for the crown in the Central South Africa region include Ané Oosthuysen (25) from Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal Triangle, Anke Rothmann (23) from the Northern Cape, and Keaoleboga Nkashe (27) from Itsoseng in North West.  

Oosthuysen is a primary school teacher and four-time graduate with degrees in psychology and medical sociology. Rothmann is a pharmacist intern who obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the North West University in Potchefstroom. This is the second year Nkashe has made it to the finale of Miss SA. She was in the Top 10 of Miss SA in 2022. She is an educator, student, and model.

The organisation has recently announced which five designers will dress the finalists on the big night. The list ranges from Shelli and Tracy B, who will be collaborating on the resort and swimwear. Gert-Johan Coetzee, who will be in charge of evening gowns. Sherif Tailor will be focusing on the suits for the finalists. William de Beer from the Willet Designs Couture will be handling the clothes for the opening.

The public could submit questions to the finalists. Photo: Facebook/Miss South Africa

Reigning Miss Universe, R’Bonney Nola Gabriel, will be among the judging panel for the night. Others include actress Leandie du Randt, actress Thuso Mbedu, investigative television journalist Devi Sankaree Govender, and model Jo-Ann Strauss. Strauss represented the country as Miss SA at the Miss Universe pageant in 2001, and also at the Miss World pageant.

Media personality Bonang Matheba will be the host for Miss SA 2023.

Who will be your Miss SA 2023?

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