A radiant Tamaryn Green, right, has been crowned Miss South Africa 2018 in the year that the pageant proudly celebrated its 60th anniversary Diamond Jubilee.
The 23-year-old medical student from Paarl will receive R3 million in prizes, in one of the richest pageants in the world. Ms Green will also be representing South Africa at the Miss Universe pageant at the end of the year.
The runner up was 26-year-old B Comm graduate Thulisa Keyi, from East London, who took the title Miss World South Africa, and who will represent South Africa on the global stage in this competition later this year.
She will receive nearly R600 000 in prizes.
An excited and overwhelmed Ms Green said she was determined to make a difference during her reign.
In her acceptance speech, she said: “I promise to build on the legacy of all former Miss South Africa title holders and to represent my country with elegance, style, beauty and unwavering commitment.
“Miss South Africa is so much more than just a competition. It is a calling, an opportunity to give back to the country that has richly provided so much to me so far.
“As Miss South Africa I will be in a strong position to assist with the reconstruction of a better South Africa. I have always been passionate about making a positive and progressive difference in the lives of others.
“I grew up being exposed to two very different worlds: That of the fortunate and less fortunate. I want to assist in bringing those worlds together. I believe this can be done by providing equal education to all.
“Actions speak louder than words. I want to be a voice to those who cannot be heard, a servant and role model to South Africans and to the people of the world at large.”
The event – broadcast live on M-Net and Mzansi Magic – was a star-studded affair. Nearly 40 former Miss South Africa titleholders were in attendance, including Miss Worlds Penny Rey Coelen, 1958; Anneline Kriel Bacon, 1974; and Rolene Strauss, 2014.
Also at the function were former Miss Universe Margaret Gardiner, 1978; and the reigning Miss Universe, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters.
Says Gareth Flusk from Sun International, on behalf of the Miss South Africa Organisation: “Tamaryn joins an exceptional group of women, many of whom have remained household names since they won the competition, and who continue to play an important role in South African society.”
Suzette van der Merwe, from Cell C and the Miss South Africa Organisation – and Miss SA 1990 – was delighted.
“The competition this year was exceptionally tough with 12 very strong contenders competing for the title. I believe Tamaryn will be a fantastic ambassador and on behalf of Cell C we wish her great success during her reign.
“We also want to congratulate runner-up Thulisa, who is Miss World South Africa.”
The Miss South Africa 2018 selection panel were queen of SA talk and radio jock Anele Mdoda; entrepreneur and television presenter Janez Vermeiren; businesswoman and media mogul Khanyi Dhlomo; marketing personality Khaya Dlanga; award-winning magazine editor Michelle van Breda; Miss World 2014, Dr Rolene Strauss and celebrity chef and TV personality Siba Mtongana.
