Miss World South Africa- Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg
In a dazzling ceremony that showcased South Africa’s beauty and talent, Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg, an 18-year-old from Faerie Glen, Pretoria East, was crowned Miss World South Africa 2024. The event, which took place on a recent Saturday night, marked a significant milestone as Zoalize became the second-ever titleholder in this prestigious pageant, following her predecessor, Dr. Claude Mashego.
Just last year, Zoalize was navigating her final year of high school, juggling studies and work as a digital marketing executive. Reflecting on her remarkable journey, she shared, “I only got four hours of sleep” the night before the pageant, highlighting the whirlwind of emotions she experienced as she transitioned from a student to a beauty queen.
Adorned in a stunning silver-white satin dress with an elegant mid-waist cape and strappy sandals embellished with diamanté, Zoalize radiated confidence as she posed for photos at the picturesque Palace of the Lost City. The pageant finale, hosted by ProVerb featured candle-lit tables adorned with white roses, creating a luxurious atmosphere that complemented the elegance of the evening.
The Competition and Judging
Zoalize triumphed over talented runners-up Romanda Hombi and Nande Mabala in an intimate black-tie event attended by notable figures, including Pule Molebeledi, CEO of Arena Holdings, and Carol Bouwer, president of the Miss World SA Organisation. The judging panel, comprising industry experts and celebrities like Rea Malatji and Malaak Compton-Rock, recognized Zoalize’s potential and passion for social change.
A Commitment to Social Impact
Zoalize is committed to using her title to uplift others, stating, “The beauty is, I’ve surrounded myself with people who care about this journey.” With plans to focus entirely on her responsibilities as Miss World South Africa, she has decided to step away from her marketing role to dedicate herself fully to her newfound platform.
In the aftermath of the pageant, she expressed her gratitude for the support she received from her former employer and emphasized her desire to make a meaningful difference in her community. Her focus will be on education and empowerment, particularly for young women.
What’s Next for Zoalize?
As she begins her reign, Zoalize’s immediate goals include preparing for the Miss World 2024 competition, where she will represent South Africa on an international stage. Her journey is not just about personal achievement; it’s about inspiring others and advocating for positive change. She aims to leverage her influence to raise awareness about critical social issues and engage in initiatives that promote youth development.
The Miss World South Africa organization has also expressed its commitment to transforming lives through partnerships with sponsors like Sunday Times, providing resources that may seem small but have a significant impact, such as dental care for contestants.
Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg’s crowning is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and dedication to making a difference. As she embarks on this exciting new chapter, the nation looks forward to her journey, confident that she will shine as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young South Africans everywhere.