Ladies and gentleman, here she is.
Lalela Mswane from KwaZulu-Natal has been crowned Miss South Africa 2021 after a glamorous event held at GrandWest on Saturday night.
The 24-year-old University of Pretoria Law graduate wowed the judges with her beauty and confidence when she answered one of the most critical questions.
Asked by reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach what she looks for in a leader, the Richards Bay beauty answered: “What I look for in a leader is somebody who is self-aware, very accountable, encourages critical thinking, innovative in action, but most importantly, prioritises the personal development of every person in South Africa.
The pageant was hosted by TV personalities Anele Mdoda and Nico Panagio, and the star-studded affair was attended by celebrities and former Miss SA queens Tamaryn Green, Zozibini Tunzi, Rolene Strauss and Cindy Nell-Roberts.
The entertainment for the evening was provided by the Ndlovu Youth Choir, which took the US by storm by making the America’s Got Talent finals last year; and singers Ntokozo Mbambo and Zakes Bantwini.
At her crowning, an emotional Lamela said: “I really wasn't expecting it which is why I started crying... I was already so fulfilled to have made top three.
“So, for me, this is genuinely just the cherry on top.”
The runners-up were Moratwe Masima, a doctor from Gauteng, and B.Com Law degree student Zimi Mabunzi from the Eastern Cape.