BORN and bred in Tzaneen, Limpopo, Ndavi Nokeri has been crowned this year’s Miss South Africa.
The 23-year-old Bcom investment management graduate was chosen by the people of Mzansi and she got the title.
Ndavi was the public vote winner for both the Top 10 and Top 5. The judges then voted for her to be in the Top 3, then Top 2, eventually, she was crowned Miss South Africa 2022.
She also walked away with R3 million worth of prizes, including a R1 million cash prize. The runner-up Ayanda Thabethe (22) won R150 000.
The pageant was held at SunBet Arena in Tshwane on Saturday, 13 August and there were performances by the likes of Elaine, Makhadzi, Boity, Rogue, Nadia Nakai, Lloyiso, Heavy K and Ndoni.
The event was hosted by radio and TV personality Anele Mdoda, who graced the stage with three outfit changes. Speaking about her win, Ndavi said the win isn’t just for her but for other girls from Limpopo.
“I feel ecstatic, I’m so excited to be here. I think it hasn’t sunk in yet, I’m still processing, it’s such a big moment,” she said.
“Just sitting here coming from Limpopo, it’s a big deal. Just being able to represent all the girls and ladies from back home, I know it’s a big deal because now they can feel that their hopes and dreams are also valid,” she said.
She also thanked Mzansi for voting for her.
“I was genuinely honoured and humbled to know that there were people rooting for me and so many people who believe in me. I hope that throughout this whole journey, I’ll just carry a message of hope and to make sure that everyone feels included,” said the beauty queen.
Ndavi’s passion project will be educational inequality and she shared more about it.
“I look forward to working together with the Miss South Africa organisation to make that a reality. I want to go to schools and bridge the gap. There’s a big gap between the education received in advanced schools and in the rural areas. This is something that we need to take seriously. And that is what I’ll be focused on,” she said.
Ndavi will attend all three international pageants, Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss Supranational next year. If she cannot, Ayanda will take over and enter.
Miss SA 2021 and Miss Supranational 2022 Lalela Mswane crowned her successor and speaking about the moment, she said: “I was very sad in the morning but knowing that I handed over to Ndavi, she is well suited for this role. I cannot wait for what this year has in store for her. I am proud of her.”
