The countdown to Miss World South Africa 2024 has begun and in less than two weeks, Mzansi will meet its new queen.
Taking place at Sun City on October 5, this year’s Miss World South Africa finale will see 10 phenomenal women vying for the crown.
The finalists participating in Miss World South Africa 2024 are Nande Mabala (Western Cape), Lynique Odendaal (Gauteng), Tshiamo Setlhare (North West), Neo Nkhumane (North-West), Ximiyeto Makhubele (Limpopo), Romanda Hombir (Gauteng), Zoalize Jansen (Gauteng) , Amber Marais (Free State), Thembelihle Mnguni (Gauteng) and Jesmika Singh (KwaZulu-Natal).
The winner who will impress the eight judges will represent South Africa at the 72nd Miss World in February 2025.
This year’s judges are industry experts from all over the world, including Rea Malatji, Dr Norman Cahi and Ntsoaki Ledimo (South Africa); Malaak Compton-Rock and Ava Lizette Hall (USA); Krystyna Pyszková and Michael Petr (Czech Republic) and Taibo Bacar from Mozambique.
Rea Malatji
Known as the first black woman to be crowned Miss Pretoria in 1999, Malatji is no stranger to pageantry as she has participated in several competitions in her youth, including Miss Polokwane, formerly known as Miss Pietersburg , Miss South Africa Northern Province, and Miss Premier Soccer League.
Dr Norman Cahi
The dentist is known for giving back to the community by supporting charities and offering orphaned children top-class dental care for free.
Ntsoaki Ledimo
Ledimo is a businesswoman who has worked with Miss World South Africa since its inception.
Krystyna Pyszková
The reigning Miss World (2023) is more than a beauty queen. She is a Charles University law graduate.
Michael Petr
The internationally acclaimed dance choreographer and trainer is known for his impressive skills. He has trained many successful models, including the reigning Miss World, Pyszková.
Malaak Compton-Rock
The member of New York Women in Communications and the Cause Marketing Forum has co-judged several competitions, including the Harpo/ABC-TV reality show, Oprah’s Big Give.
Compton-Rock also runs the Angel Rock Project, an online e-village that promotes volunteerism, social responsibility, and sustainable change. She has an adopted daughter from South Africa, Ntombi, and was previously married to comedian Chris Rock.
Ava Lizette Hall
The Head of Content and Brand of The Africa Channel in Los Angeles is known for her contribution to television. She has over 20 years of experience in content development, television production, artist/talent relations and programme planning and operations.
Taibo Bacar
Bacar founded his namesake fashion brand, Taibo Bacar, which he launched in 2008 in Maputo. Bacar has showcased at several fashion shows, including South African Fashion Week.