With the completion of the Miss World pageant and the winner announced, businesswoman Carol Bouwer shared her words of gratitude for South Africa’s representative, Dr Claude Mashego.
Claude made history by becoming the first-ever winner of Miss World South Africa. In the past, a participant who placed in the top 3 at the Miss SA pageant would usually represent the country at the international pageant show. However, because the Miss SA Organisation did not renew its license with Miss World, a separate pageant to find a representative took place – which Claude participated in and won.
This year’s Miss World saw 112 representatives from countries across the globe head to India for the pageant’s 71st edition.
Unfortunately, Claude had not won the crown, having only made it to the top 40 which included fellow Africans Miss Botswana, Miss Nigeria, Miss Zimbabwe, Miss Tunisia, Miss Uganda, Miss Cameroon, Miss Madagascar, Miss Mauritius, Miss Kenya, Miss Somalia, Miss South Sudan, and Miss Tanzania.
Instead, Krystyna Pyszkova from the Czech Republic secured the win.
Taking to Instagram, Carol, who is the license holder of the Miss World South Africa pageant, shared, “My darling Claude, you gave us national pride, dignity, wisdom, fortitude and love. You truly are one of the most incredible voices of your time.”
Carol continued, “Well done @missworldsouthafrica for your dedicated pursuit to achieve the best for our people. We love you. Thanks to your parents, friends, and relatives for being on hand for the tight hugs through your journey my love.”
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