Miss South Africa Ndavi Nokeri has finished in the top 16 at the 71st Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. USA's R'Bonney Gabriel won the pageant, succeeding Harnaaz Sandhu of India.?
UNBELIEVABLE MOMENT
Taking to Instagram earlier in the week, Ndavi expressed gratitude and honour in being the one representing the country this year. She said: 'A moment in time. South Africa, it was the greatest honour of my life to represent you on the biggest stage in the world wearing this gown. Inspired by the dust roads of my village, Gabaza in Limpopo, where I walked barefoot so many times before, I could not help but be in awe of God's greatness in making this moment so perfectly imperfect.'?
MESSAGE BEHIND HER CAPE
Her evening gown with a cape was made with a purpose. The message behind the cape was simple: 'It is aimed at inspiring a movement of perfectly imperfect women with powerful voices to step into the light.' Ndavimade the top 16 round alongside Colombia, Spain, Venezuela, India, Curaçao, Trinidad and Tobago, Peru, Canada, Portugal, Laos, Dominican Republic, USA,Australia, Haiti and Puerto Rico. Venezuela, USA, Curaçao, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic made the top five of the pageant.
FORMER TITLE HOLDERS FROM SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa has had the honour of bringing the MissUniverse crown home before. Margaret Gardiner won the pageant in 1978; Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters-Tebow in 2017; Zozibini Tunzi in 2019. Tamaryn Green-Nxumalo was placed first runner-up in 2018, and Lalela Mswane was second runner-up in 2021.
