Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane has announced her decision to represent the country at the 70th Miss Universe competition in Israel, in defiance of the government.
The 24-year-old queen and the Miss SA organisation courted controversy as they insisted on participating in the pageant on 13 December, despite widespread calls for her to snub the event in solidarity with Palestine.
Earlier this month, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa said government had withdrawn its support for the Miss SA pageant after unsuccessful talks with the pageant organisers.
“The atrocities committed by Israel against Palestinians are well documented and the government, as the legitimate representative of the people of South Africa, cannot in good conscience associate itself with such,” the government said in a statement.
However, Miss SA in the statement released on Saturday: “I stand today as an empowered woman because of so many before me who fought for our voices to be heard.
“I feel my duty is to do the same for the women of the past, the women of today and the women to come.
The model and law graduate added: “There is no greater time to shed light on issues affecting women, to choose courage over comfort and to be steadfast in my beliefs regarding the advancement of women and our rights.”
The Richards Bay beauty said she views her participation in the pageant as a “unique opportunity” to contribute to a process of dialogue and peace.