Claude Mashego Crowned as Winner in Inaugural Miss World South Africa Pageant

This past weekend was rich in jubilation as South Africans celebrated the Rugby World Cup and the inaugural Miss World South Africa pageant. The State Theatre in Pretoria played host to this grand spectacle, helmed by Minnie Dlamini, and crowned Claude Mashego as the first Miss World South Africa under a new franchise holder.

Expressing her overwhelming gratitude on Instagram prior to the finale, Mashego noted, “I’m grateful to God for years of hard work finally paid off." Her family, friends, and supporters were a significant part of her journey, motivating her to push forward. Little did she know, her heartfelt statement would preface her crowning achievement as Miss World South Africa.

Mashego, who was crowned by Miss World 2021 Karolina Bielawska, has since been inundated with congratulatory messages, which she's been sharing on her Instagram stories. No official comment regarding her victory has been released from Mashego's team as of yet.

The event was also high praise for Carol Bouwer, the new license holder of Miss World South Africa. Fellow contestant Motheo Mokoto, who made it to the top 12 of the pageant, expressed her gratitude towards Bouwer for the opportunity to participate in this prestigious event, hailing her for having "shifted the rhythm of pageantry", and marking the start of greatness for future pageants.