I represent you, says Miss SA

NEWLY-crowned Miss South Africa 2021, Lalela Mswane, said she is proud to come from a diversified province and wants every woman and South African to feel represented through her.

Mswane was crowned Miss SA 2021 at GrandWest Arena in Cape Town on Saturday alongside runners-up Zimi Mabunzi from the Eastern Cape, and Moratwe Masima from Gauteng. She was the only KZN representative from the top 10 who were announced in August this year.

Mswane, who is from the small village of KwaSokhulu in Northern KZN, said she takes on the role of Miss SA being well aware of the community she is from and lives in. “In the versatile community I am in, I am not just a Zulu girl from KZN. I am not limited to that. I represent all the girls of different races and cultures. I want them to see themselves through me,” she said.

The 24-year-old said she feels honoured to bear the Miss SA crown, especially being the first Miss SA from the Zululand region in KZN.

“I feel really proud to have paved the way for my hometown. I want every girl to know that they are not limited to anything and that everything is possible,” she said.

Mswane’s crowning was well received. KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala said her achievement reignites hope for the youth.

“Halala Ntombi kaMswane on your magnificent achievement which fills all of us in KwaZulu-Natal with pride. We will support Ms Mswane’s endeavours to use the Miss South Africa platform to shine the spotlight on unemployment and poverty, especially among the youth, and seek meaningful solutions towards its reduction.

“We are proud to have her as our ambassador and a leading force in the betterment of the lives of our people.

“She has not only put KwaZulu-Natal on the map, but she is an exemplary role model who wants to be part of the solution to eradicate unemployment,” said Premier Zikalala.