MISS SA and her first princess will make South Africa proud at next month’s Miss World and Miss Universe beauty pageants.
Miss South Africa, Liesl Laurie (24) from Eldorado Park near Soweto, will be competing in the Miss World beauty pageant at the Crown Beauty Theatre in Sanya, China.
Bronkhorstspruit-based Refilwe Mthimunye (22) will battle it out for the Miss Universe title at Axis in Las Vegas, United States.
This will mark the 64th year for both the pageants.
Miss Universe has 80 contestants while Miss World has 123.
Both girls are delighted to be representing South Africa abroad.
Reigning Miss SA, Liesl Laurie, says she is ready and prepared to woo the world.
“I know that I am ready for the international stage and I feel confident and ready to take on whatever lies ahead of me.
“I have faith that in my 30 days in Sanya I will show the world the beauty of our special country.
“We are the country of love and ubuntu and I plan to show this every day,” said Liesl.
Refilwe, who is heading to Vegas, said: “Going to the competition gives me a platform to prove to any young South African that all goals and aspirations are attainable.
“My main focus is not only to make the most of this experience but also to ensure that I make my people proud.
“Liesl and I were roommates as Miss South Africa finalists earlier this year and I know that she takes pride in always being the best she can be.”
We are both going to do our best while staying true to who were are.”
Miss World contestants will not only be judged on beauty, but will be moderated on different fields.
Top Modelling, Talent, Multimedia, Sports & Fitness and Beauty with a Purpose are among other tasks which contestants will be judged upon.
During their send off event recently the two revealed their costumes and their designers whom will play an important role in making them very exquisite.
Laurie will be wearing gowns created by Bloemfontein-designer Casper Bosman, who also designed some costumes last year for her predecessor Rolene Strauss.
Whilst, Anel Botha, will be designing Refilwe’s interview outfit, portrait gown, national costume and evening gown.
And on the Jewellery side of things, Friedman Jewellers who designed the Miss South Africa Palesa crown, will be responsible for the bling-bling side of things
