The stage is set as Miss Universe South Africa Melissa Nayimuli has officially touched down in Thailand for the annual Miss Universe pageant.
The event is an annual beauty competition run by a Thailand and Mexican-based Miss Universe organisation. Since its inception, a South African has only won the pageant thrice.
This list includes Margaret Gardiner in 1978, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters in 2017, and in 2019 with Zozibini Tunzi.
With the event returning to Bangkok, 2023 Miss South Africa top 5 contestant Melissa Nayimuli is determined to add her name to the remarkable list of women for have worn the crown.
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In a recent interview with Citizen News, she expressed optimism ahead of the big night, describing it as a full-circle moment.
“This moment is a full circle for me. I am embracing each and every step of this journey with trust in the universe, the love and support from my countrymen and women, faith in divine timing, and a message so important to share on a global platform — a message of unity, transformation, rebirth, and resilience,” she added.
While Melissa is fully confident that this will be her moment to shine, director of Miss Universe South Africa Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala shared the same level of confidence in the 29-year-old.
She explained that the thing which makes Melissa the perfect candidate is that she knows who she is and understands the South African landscape through her advocacy.
“She is mature, she is a girls girl as well and very well spoken. So really honestly speaking for us, this is the perfect girl,” Bokang explained to Daily Sun.
The grand finale of the pageant is set to take place on 21 November.
Also see: Miss SA Qhawekazi Mazaleni looks back at memorable night
