Meet the judges who will be getting to know the Miss South Africa Top 30 from today and deciding just who will continue their Miss South Africa journey.
They are actress, model, media personality and former beauty pageant title holder Lerato Kganyago; actress, presenter, voice artist, model, author and entrepreneur Leandie du Randt, who also served as a judge last year, and CEO of the Miss South Africa Organisation Stephanie Weil.
Kganyago says she is delighted to be part of this year’s judging panel: “Having been closely connected to the world of beauty and fashion, this role feels like a beautiful culmination of my journey in pageantry. It's not just about assessing beauty, it’s about recognising powerful women who will lead and inspire. This platform resonates deeply with my own experiences and the values I hold dear.
She explains what she will be looking for in a winner: “I'll be focusing on authenticity and a genuine passion for advocacy. It's important that the crown holder not only embodies grace and poise but also possesses a strong voice and passion to advocate for change. I believe in empowering women to be their best selves, which means looking beyond the external and truly understanding their visions and aspirations. I will be keenly looking for leadership, impact, and the ability to inspire both locally and globally.
“I would like to add that Miss South Africa is more than a title; it's a responsibility. This platform has the power to open doors and create opportunities, similar to my personal journey in pageantry, not just for the winner but for all the young women involved. I am eager to be part of this transformative journey and to help spotlight the incredible talent our nation has to offer. Let’s celebrate these remarkable women and support them in their quest to make a meaningful impact in our world.”
Her views were echoed by fellow judge Leandie du Randt: “I am always so honoured to be part of the Miss South Africa judging squad and associated with the organisation. I am also grateful to be part of the journey of getting to know all these talented and promising contestants better, as I am really passionate about motivating and assisting women in reaching their full potential. Our country has so many strong women, so it is important that these platforms are there to shine a light on them.”
Du Randt lists the attributes that she believes a winner should possess: “I am looking for a woman who owns her own story, trials, dreams and accomplishments with grace, humility and passion, in an authentic way. A woman who can inspire me to also believe in myself and to feel empowered and inspired when I am in her presence. A woman who confidently walks with purpose but is open to also learn while inspiring others to do so as well. A woman who makes everyone feel like a somebody because she herself understands her worth and others worth – no matter who they are or where they come from.”
Weil says the class of 2024 is an impressive one: “We are looking forward this year to seeing so many new faces and those entering the competition for the first time; we believe that South Africa is going to fall in love with this fabulous and inspiring group of young women. For many it has been a lifelong dream – since they were young girls – to enter this competition. We can’t wait to celebrate them and hear their voices!”
Download the Miss South Africa app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
Viewers can also buy the Top 30/Finalist journey bundle on the Miss South Africa app to watch the full judging day video and get a sneak peek of the judging process.
Viewers will get to meet the finalists in Crown Chasers, the thrilling reality TV show which introduces South African viewers to those vying to take the crown from the current incumbent Natasha Joubert. The six-part series starts on S3 on June 29, 2024, at 20h30.
