South Africa’s beauty and grace will take centre stage this weekend as 18-year-old Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg competes in the grand finale of the 72nd Miss World competition. The highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday, 31 May, at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, India.
The final show will be streamed live at 1 PM GMT (3 PM South African time) via the official Miss World website, www.watchmissworld.com, as it will not be broadcast on local television.
Zoalize, who has proudly flown the South African flag throughout the international pageant, shared an emotional message with her supporters on Instagram on Friday morning:
“I have worn you on my heart for the past month, and it has been a full-circle moment. Getting to share the purpose of not only myself but so many with the world has been fulfilling,” she wrote.
“For those familiar with my journey, I want to thank you for walking this walk with me. I appreciate you all more than words can express.”
Zoalize has already made her mark on the global stage by winning the World Designer Award for the Africa region during the Miss World Top Model competition, held at the prestigious Trident Hotel in Hyderabad. The event was hosted by former Miss World 2016, Stephanie Del Valle.
Renowned South African designer Juan William Aria designed her award-winning gown.
The stunning piece, crafted from satin glass fabric and adorned with intricate hand embroidery, featured a prominent protea flower, South Africa’s national flower, symbolising beauty, resilience, and the nation’s rich cultural diversity.
As the grand finale approaches, South Africans at home and abroad are rallying behind Zoalize, hopeful that she will bring home the Miss World crown and further showcase the strength and elegance of South African women on the international stage.
