SOUTH AFRICAN BEAUTIES

SA BEAUTIES OFFICE OPENS

2012-02-15T23:32:00.003+02:00

The South African Beauties office opens in the Gants Plaza, Strand on 01 March. The office, situated on the 1st Floor of the centre in Suite 18C, is on the same premises as Ace Models Cape Winelands. The centre is in Langenegger Street which runs parallel with the N2 Highway.

South African Beauties is currently the South African license-holder for the following leading international pageants:

Miss International
Miss Supranational
Miss Tourism Queen International
Manhunt International
Mister International
Mr Universe Model

In addition to co-ordinating and administering the participation South African delegates in the aforementioned pageants, the office will also serve as the HQ of the Mr & Miss RSA International and Mr & Miss RSA Tourism pageants. These national pageants will serve to select the South African delegates to the pageants listed above.

Join the Facebook group to follow the activities of the organization, as well as for updates and results from other leading pageants in South Africa.

ACE MODELS IN STRAND

2012-02-14T21:37:00.007+02:00

Ace Models by Joani Johnson comes to the Cape when the Strand branch opens on 01 March. The branch, officially known as Ace Models Cape Winelands, will be managed and run by former Miss SA semi-finalist, Julia Stander Lloyd.

Julia was one of the 30 semi-finalists in the 2002 Miss SA reality show at Sun City which was eventually won by Cindy Nell. In addition, Julia has won a number of local pageants in the late 1990's and early 2000's.

The courses at Ace Models are divided along ages and levels of expertise, and are conveniently scheduled to fit in with school terms so that school holidays are just that, school holidays. The 40 week course is split into two 20 session semesters.

Models and students signed with Ace Models get free entry into all South African Beauties regional pageants, as well as a 50% discount on the entry fee for national pageants. Regional pageants include Mr & Miss Surf (April), Mr & Miss Stellenbosch (June), Mr & Miss Atlantic Coast (October) and Mr & Miss Gordon's Bay (December).

To enquire about the courses, please contact Julia on Facebook. An "open day" will be held at the studio in the Gants Plaza, Strand on Saturday 25 February from 10am to 2pm.

ADIOS URUGUAY

2012-02-12T19:51:00.002+02:00

Michelle Gildenhuys bade farewell to her Miss Atlantico Internacional crown in Punta de Este last night and will now return to South Africa to prepare for her pageant swansong at the Miss Supranational pageant in September.

SHEREE PLACES SECOND

2012-02-12T04:47:00.005+02:00

Sheree-Lee Gildenhuys came very close to securing back-to-back wins for South Africa when she placed second at the Miss Atlantico Internacional pageant in Punta del Este. The title was won by Miss Venezuela and Miss Spain finished third. Her runner-up placement means that South Africa now has two Top 3 placements in two attempts.

POSTER GIRL LOUISE

2012-02-11T05:26:00.003+02:00

South Africa's Louise Muller was a Top 15 semi-finalist at the 2011 Miss Bikini International pageant, and now she is the poster girl for the 2012 Miss Bikini International pageant to be held in August. If you want to follow in her footsteps and compete at the international pageant where more than 70 countries will be represented, you need to enter and win the 2012 Miss Surf pageant to be held in Strand on Easter Saturday.

There is a little catch though: You also need to be at least 1,72m in height. But not meeting the international entry requirement is not the end of the world. If you win, but don't meet the height requirement for the international pageant, you will compete at a leading pageant in Johannesburg as a consolation.

To enter Miss Surf go to the website and download an entry form.

MICHELLE ROCKS COLONIA

2012-02-08T18:48:00.004+02:00

The fifth (and final) preliminary contest was held at the Miss Atlantico Internacional pageant in Uruguay last night. And whilst Miss Brazil may have been the queen of the night when she was crowned "International Ambassador of Colonia", the undoubted star of the pageant so far has been the reigning Miss Atlantico Internacional, Michelle Gildenhuys.

SHEREE WINS AWARD

2012-02-06T11:01:00.003+02:00

Miss Atlantico SA, Sheree-Lee Gildenhuys, was crowned "International Ambassador Gran Hotel Brias del Hum" in the city of Mercedes last night. She became the fourth preliminary event winner at the pageant. A total of six sponsor awards will be handed out before the final on Saturday night.

The winner and runners-up at the pageant usually, but not necessarily, come from the group of preliminary contest winners. Last year Michelle Gildenhuys won the preliminary event at the Arapey Resort and Spa before being crowned Miss Atlantico Internacional in Punta del Este.

SURF WINNERS TO TRAVEL

2012-02-05T01:58:00.005+02:00

Not only will the winners of the Mr & Miss Surf titles join an alumni which includes former winners of national titles, but they could also represent South Africa at the Beach Hunk Model Search and Miss Bikini International pageants respectively.

In addition to the Miss Bikini International title for female contestants, a new male pageant called the Beach Hunk Model Search will be held on the same night as the bikini final. 12 countries have been invited to submit an entry into this competition, and South African Beauties has been appointed to select the representative from South Africa.

Unfortunately the winners of the Mr & Miss Surf titles need to meet certain height requirements for the international competition. Height restrictions of 1,85m and 1,72m have been set for the respective pageants by the international organizers.

Since there are no height restrictions for entry into the Mr & Miss Surf pageant, the highest placed finalists who do meet the international height requirements will compete abroad should the winners not qualify. In that instance, the winners will compete at a pageant in Sun City.

To enter the Mr & Miss Surf pageant, please visit the website and download an entry form.

MICHELLE RETURNS

2012-02-04T11:40:00.002+02:00

Miss Atlantico Internacional, Michelle Gildenhuys, returned to the country where she became famous a year ago. Since it is not customary for the reigning titleholder to return to crown her successor at this pageant, Michelle is being treated like a celebrity.

She will be filming promo's for the televised final and will be used as the "face of the pageant" in all publicity leading up to the final to be held in Punta del Este on Saturday 11 February. One of Uruguay's leading fashion designers will be dressing her for all events including the grand final.

After the pageant, Michelle will travel to Spain courtesy of the Miss Atlantico Internacional Organization before returning to South Africa to prepare for the Miss Supranational pageant in September.

SHEREE IN URUGUAY

2012-02-04T11:26:00.002+02:00

Sheree-Lee Gildenhuys, Miss Atlantico SA, joined the other 10 contestants who had already arrived in Montevideo at an event to select the International Ambassador New Color, one of 5 preliminary awards to be given at the pageant.

Whilst she did not win this round at the pageant, Sheree is a firm favourite with the local press in Montevideo and along with Misses Brazil, Paraguay and Venezuela, should be fighting for the crown on 11 February. Miss Paraguay won the "New Color" award.

The remaining 4 contestants in the field of 15 arrived after this event.

DHESHA AFRICA'S SEXIEST

2012-02-03T14:29:00.003+02:00

Miss Supranational SA 2011, Dhesha Jeram, has been adjudged the Sexiest in Africa in the annual Sexiest Woman Alive competition run by leading pageant website, Global Beauties. In the process she beat the reigning Miss Universe, Leila Lopez, to the regional title.

From an initial field of 25 finalists, the field was narrowed down to 7 regional finalists each representing the "7 seas". The online contest pits the sexiest women to have competed in an international or national pageant against one another to determine the sexiest woman alive.

ULTIMATE MODEL SEARCH

2012-02-03T05:30:00.004+02:00

With a few exceptions, the Best Model of the World pageant has been held annually since 1988. The model contest, which draws male and female entries from more than 40 countries, is open to models who are married or single, and with or without children.

The Ultimate Model Search aka Best Model of the World SA will be held in July to select South Africa's representatives for the world final later this year. The winners will received an all expenses paid trip to the pageant.

For more details please contact Zee Dyson at upstage.sa@gmail.com.

JUST A YEAR AGO

2012-02-02T21:35:00.004+02:00

Michelle Gildenhuys was crowned Miss Atlantico Internacional 2011 on Saturday 12 February 2011. On Saturday 11 February 2012 her younger sister, Sheree-Lee, takes to the stage in the hopes on making it two out of two.

Whilst the odds are stacked against her given that no country has succeeded in achieving back-to-back wins at the pageant, a Top 3 placement is not out of the question if the opinions and predictions of some of the world's leading pageant experts are anything to go by.

Whatever the outcome, I'm certain that our representative will leave her mark at the pageant and make herself and South Africa proud.

ACE IN CAPE WINELANDS

2012-01-24T18:22:00.008+02:00

Ace Models, founded by former Mrs South Africa, Joani Johnson, will be opening a branch in the Cape Winelands on 1 March. The modeling school will operate from premises in the Gants Plaza.

The school will be managed and run by former Miss SA semi-finalist, Julia Stander Lloyd, a well-known beauty queen and model from the area.

The branch at Gants Plaza will draw students from the Gordon's Bay, Somerset West, Stellenbosch and Strand quadrangle. In addition to the standard model school modules, classes in TV presenting skills, public speaking and presentation will be offered.

Julia is also a qualified drug and alcohol rehabilitation advisor and will be offering a course in drug and alcohol awareness. For more details, please contact Julia on Facebook.

SUPER SEXY DHESHA

2012-01-22T07:12:00.002+02:00

Dhesha Jeram, Miss Supranational SA 2011, has been named one of the Top 25 Sexiest Women Alive for 2011. The "virtual contest" is run annually by leading pageant website, Global Beauties. The list of finalists includes both the winners of the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants.

Earlier this month, Dhesha was also in the Top 115 in the Miss Grand Slam contest based on her semi-final appearance at the Miss Supranational pageant in Poland.

MR & MISS SURF

2012-01-20T08:06:00.004+02:00

The 46th edition of the Mr & Miss Surf pageant will be held in the Strand in April. There is also a Teen Mr & Miss Surf division, and the pageant will feature a host of local performers and entertainers. There are holidays, gift vouchers and cash prizes to be won.

Since the winners of the Mr & Miss Surf titles will represent South Africa at an international swimwear pageant in China, the pageant is now only open to South African citizens that meet the international entry requirements. The basic requirements are:

MR SURF

* Aged 20 - 26
* At least 1,80m tall

MISS SURF

* Aged 18 - 24
* At least 1.68m tall
* Not pregnant nor have given birth
* Never been married

TEEN MR SURF

* Aged 16 - 19
* At least 1,70m tall

TEEN MISS SURF

* Aged 14 - 17
* At least 1,60m tall
* Not pregnant nor have given birth
* Never been married

There is an entry fee of R100, and 15 finalists will be selected in each of the 4 divisions.

A pre-teen pageant will be held in the afternoon on the same day as the pageant final.

PRE-TEEN PAGEANT

• Junior Mr Surf (12 - 15)
• Junior Miss Surf (11 - 13)
• Young Mr Surf (8 - 11)
• Young Miss Surf (8 - 10)
• Little Mr Surf (5 - 7)
• Little Miss Surf (5 - 7)
• Age group as on day of pageant.
• Proof of date of birth must accompany all entries.

• The entry fee for the pre-teen pageant is R50 per entry.
• There are no preliminary rounds for the pre-teen pageant.

PAGEANT SCHEDULE

10:00 - Pre-teen Pageant
15:00 - Teen Pageant
20:00 - Senior Pageant

For more details go to the pageant website.

ANGEL IN MISS GS TOP 50

2012-01-10T14:36:00.005+02:00

Miss Tourism Queen Namibia, Antonia "Angel" Shinana, has been voted into the Top 50 in the Global Beauties "Miss Grand Slam" competition. The "Miss Grand Slam" title is awarded to the Top delegate to have competed in a Grand Slam pageant, and made the semi-finals, as adjudged by an international panel. This year 115 delegates qualified for the "virtual" competition.

Whilst Antonia's inclusion in the Top 50 was good news for South African Beauties, the exclusion of the other two delegates, Dhesha Jeram and Donique Leonard, was a bit of a shocker. And not even political connections could help Bokang Montjane this time round and she was also dumped from the competition when the Top 50 were announced.

We'll just have to do better in 2012, won't we?

OFFICIAL SWIMWEAR BRAND

2012-01-10T11:12:00.002+02:00

Bella Donna by Tayla is the official ladies swimwear brand for the 2012 Miss Surf and Miss Teen Surf pageants. In addition to providing the 24 finalists with garments for the pageant, Tayla will also be awarding prizes to the Top 3 finalists in both divisions.

Tayla's designs can be viewed here.

FACEBOOK PAGE

2012-01-06T16:16:00.004+02:00

Join our Facebook page by clicking on the image above and "liking" the page once re-directed. News and reports about South African Beauties pageants and international delegates will be posted regularly.

SACRIFICIAL LAMB

2012-01-05T18:55:00.003+02:00

They're both former Miss Diaz winners. Both are young and gorgeous. And both made the Top 5 at Miss SA in 2010 and 2011 respectively. Other countries would be rubbing their hands together and licking their lips at the prospect of two potential Miss Universe top-rankers waiting in the wings, but this is not "other countries". This is South Africa!

The problem is they're both white, Afrikaans-speaking and fluffed their final question at the pageant. Neither has a story of death, poverty and deprivation (something which apparently impresses the head judge and her side-kick, the showgirl). And if rumours are to be believed, they will be entering again in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

Now we all know that it is virtually impossible for both to be crowned Miss SA given the status quo at the pageant, so the big question is: Which one is going to be the sacrificial lamb?

SA'S MISS GRAND SLAM

2012-01-05T16:06:00.002+02:00

Each year, world-leading pageant website, Global Beauties, selects a Miss Grand Slam. All the semi-finalists at the Grand Slam pageants (currently the Top 6 pageants) qualify for the title. This year there are 117 contestants in the "competition".

South African Beauties has two contestants in the competition, and Sun International has one contestant. Dhesha Jeram (Miss Supranational), Donique Leonard (Miss Tourism Queen International) and Bokang Montjane (Miss World) are the three local beauties who have qualified.

Based on actual results, Bokang Montjane should head the local race after her 6th place finish at the Miss World pageant, but the results of the Miss Grand Slam competition are based on the opinions of the website owners, rather than actual results.

Let's wait and see who South Africa's Miss Grand Slam is for 2011.

2011 MISS DIAZ

2012-01-04T10:13:00.003+02:00

After a preliminary round and a week of preparation, Miss Diaz was crowned at a glittering event in the Pero Diaz Theater in the last week of December. The winner was third-year theology student from Tukkies, Janine Truter. Her runners-up were sisters Emma en Adé van Heerden.

Part of Janine's prize package is a trip to an international pageant where she will represent South Africa. The trip was made possible by South African Beauties.

SEXY SIBLINGS

2012-01-02T18:32:00.007+02:00

Michelle and Sheree-Lee Gildenhuys have travelled the world playing "twins" in a number of television commercials and ad campaigns, but each will be flying solo when they take to the stage at the Miss Supranational and Miss Atlantico Internacional pageants respectively.

Michelle crowns her successor at the Miss Atlantico Internacional pageant during February, and hopefully she will be crowning her sister, Sheree-Lee. If that happens, it will be a first in international pageantry where siblings win successive titles at the same pageant.

In September Michelle competes at the Miss Supranational, and she hopes to walk away with the winner's crown. Will it be another first? No siblings have held international titles simultaneously. Fingers and toes crossed!

SUPRANATIONAL GIRLS

2012-01-02T03:07:00.006+02:00

Michelle Gildenhuys (South Africa) and Antonia Shinana (Namibia) have been selected to represent their respective countries at the Miss Supranational pageant which will be held at the beginning of September. Both contestants have been selected based on their excellent track record at other international pageants.

Michelle is the reigning Miss Atlantico Internacional, a title she will hold until February, and Antonia was a Top 10 finalist at the recently concluded Miss Tourism Queen International pageant.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-12-31T06:32:00.003+02:00

May 2012 be happy and prosperous, and may all your dreams come true. Click the pic to see the pretty, flashy things.

WINNING AIN'T EVERYTHING

2011-12-30T14:59:00.001+02:00

Sometimes not winning or placing in the Top 5 is not a bad thing. Donique Leonard did not make the Top 5, but she was crowned Miss Tourism of Africa in Xi'an on Tuesday. And with that title came dinner at the Thai Consul General's residence on Wednesday, and a blitz tour of China with the Top 5 and other continental winners. Not too shabby.

ANOTHER 24 HOURS

2011-12-30T10:10:00.004+02:00

In just over 24 hours South Africa could have another pageant celebrity when Charlsey van der Heyde takes to the stage at the Miss Tourism International pageant in Kuala Lumpur. And judging by official head-shot and gown portraits, a place in the Top 5 does not seem like too much of a pipe-dream.

Whatever the outcome, Charlsey has silenced even her harshest critics and is keeping the flag flying at full mast.

GRAND SLAM TOP 10

2011-12-30T00:03:00.005+02:00

Global Beauties has just released the 2011 Grand Slam Country of the Year list, and South Africa has finished in 10th place. In doing so, the country has beaten inter alia the USA. The country of the year is that country whose delegates have accumulated the most number of points in the 6 Grand Slam pageants in 2011.

10th place is not the best ranking ever for South Africa, but it would not have been possible if not for the achievements of Dhesha Jeram (Miss Supranational) and Donique Leonard (Miss Tourism Queen International) given that Bokang Montjane failed to score any points at the double-scoring Miss Universe pageant.

If the Miss South Africa and Miss Earth SA organizations pull their fingers out of their bums in 2012, then it is not impossible for South Africa to finish in the Top 3 or even challenge for the No 1 position. SA Beauties has a formidable team ready for the Miss International, Miss Supranational and Miss Tourism Queen International pageants.

THE FINAL ACT

2011-12-29T08:30:00.003+02:00

South Africa's last international delegate for 2011 takes to the stage in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday when Miss Tourism International will be crowned. The lovely lass who is representing her country with great honour and integrity is Charlsey van der Heyde.

Charlsey will be out to emulate the feat of her fellow countryman, Angela Beck, who was crowned Miss Tourism International back in 2003.

PARADE OF NATIONS

2011-12-28T18:55:00.006+02:00

The Miss Tourism Queen International pageant in Xi'an, China has come and gone, but let's just have a look at Southern Africa's two stunning delegates during the Parade of Nations. Both delegates made their respective countries proud and performed with distinction.

Donique Leonard (South Africa) was a Top 20 quarter-finalist and was crowned Miss Tourism Queen Africa, and Antonia Shinana (Namibia) was a Top 10 semi-finalist at the final Grand Slam pageant for 2011.

SA'S GRAND SLAM QUEEN

2011-12-27T21:43:00.002+02:00

The final Grand Slam pageant for 2011 took place in Xi'an, China earlier today when Miss Tourism Queen International was crowned. For the first time in since 2009, South Africa competed at all six legs of the unofficial "world cup series" of beauty pageants. Here is a summary of the results:

1. BOKANG MONTJANE @ MISS WORLD

Against all expectations, Bokang Montjane finished in 6th place out of 113 contestants at the pageant held in London. After a dismal performance at Miss Universe where she broke the 3-year streak by South Africa delegates, she made a miraculous recovery at Miss World despite her odds of 50-1 with the bookmakers. But then I guess nobody could have factored in the "positive influence" of members of the Mandela family at the pageant. None-the-less, it is the Grand Slam performance of the year and scores 95.6% on the performance table.

2. DHESHA JERAM @ MISS SUPRANATIONAL

South Africa debuted at the Miss Supranational pageant in spectacular fashion when Dhesha Jeram placed 8th out of 70 contestants. In addition she was also crowned Miss Supranational Africa. Her performance was worth 90.0% on the performance table.

3. DONIQUE LEONARD @ MISS TOURISM QUEEN

A lot was expected from Donique Leonard at Miss Tourism Queen International and she was considered a front-runner for the title, but in a surprise-filled result in which most of the favourites were eliminated from the competition when the Top 10 were called, she only managed 18th place out of 92 contestants. She did, however, land the Miss Tourism Queen Africa title. Her performance was worth 81.5% on the performance table.

4. DOMINIQUE MANN @ MISS EARTH

Dominique Mann, a runner-up at Miss Earth SA last year, was sent to Miss Earth when local organisers decided that the latest winner would only compete at the international event at the end of her reign. Despite winning the Miss Talent award, she didn't place. The most she could have scored on the performance table was 81.0% for 17th place at a pageant in which 16 quarter-finalists were named.

5. BOKANG MONTJANE @ MISS UNIVERSE

Bokang lived up to the expectations of bookmakers and pageant experts when she failed to make the cut at Miss Universe. Although she would go on to place at 6th at Miss World, her performance at Miss Universe is probably a more accurate reflection of her worth in the big scheme of things. She would have scored a maximum of 80.9% for 17th place at the pageant where 16 quarter-finalists were named.

6. NATASHA KASHIMOTO @ MISS INTERNATIONAL

Natasha Kashimoto was undoubtedly the "hard luck" story of the year. At a pageant notorious for not embracing black beauty, the expected happened and she failed to make the cut despite her Japanese heritage at this Japanese-owned pageant and uber-favouritism with the media covering the pageant. She could have scored 77.6% for 16th place at the pageant where 15 semi-finalists were named.

In summary, the least deserving Grand Slam delegates were in first and sixth place this year, but least deserving for different reasons. Rules are rules however, and Bokang Montjane gets the SA Grand Slam Performance of the Year Award.

DOUBLE WHAMMY AT LAST

2011-12-27T20:03:00.004+02:00

South African Beauties finally scored a "double whammy" when both the South African and Namibian contestants made the cut at the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant in Xi'an, China earlier today. Antonia Shinana (Namibia) was placed 8th overall (Top 10), and Donique Leonard (South Africa) was placed 18th overall (Top 20). In addition, Donique was also named Miss Tourism Queen Africa.

The pageant was won by Miss Thailand, followed by the contestants from Fernando de Noronha (Brazil), Belarus, China and Tanzania. Contestants from 83 countries and 9 special tourism regions competed at the pageant.

WISHFUL THINKING

2011-12-27T10:18:00.001+02:00

Donique Leonard (South Africa) appears on the Global Beauties website as today's "cover girl". Will she be there tomorrow as Miss Tourism Queen International? We'll find out 8 hours from now.

MISS TQI COUNT-DOWN

2011-12-26T23:34:00.006+02:00

After two weeks of public appearances and pageant activities, the final of the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant is only 24 hours away. And today the 92 contestants went through their paces at the dress rehearsal in the Qujiang Exhibition Centre where the final will be held.

Neither South Africa nor Namibia has placed at the pageant which began in 2004, but pageant experts and fans alike are of the opinion that the chances are very good that both Donique Leonard (South Africa) and Antonia Shinana (Namibia) will hear their names called when the Top 20 are announced tomorrow.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

2011-12-26T02:55:00.003+02:00

Whilst the rest of the world was celebrating Christmas Day, Donique Leonard (South Africa) and Antonia Shinana (Namibia) joined the other 90 contestants at the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant for rehearsals in Xi'an, China. The pageant final takes place on 27 December.

MISS DIAZ FINALISTS

2011-12-24T18:23:00.002+02:00

The 10 finalists in the Miss Diaz pageant were chosen at a public event in Mossel Bay on Friday. Here the finalists are photographed with reigning Miss Diaz and Miss SA Top 5 finalist, Rolene Strauss (right).

The winner, who will be chosen at a glittering event on 26 December, will represent South Africa at an international pageant in 2012.

MISS TQI PRELIMS

2011-12-24T14:56:00.004+02:00

Yesterday was preliminary judging day at the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant in Xi'an, China. Contestants were judged in swimwear, evening wear and interview. The Top 19 delegates from preliminary judging plus the winner of the internet vote qualify for the quarter-finals on 27 December.

The format for the final is parade of nations, Top 20, Top 10 and Top 5. Here's holding thumbs that Donique Leonard (South Africa) and Antonia Shinana (Namibia) did enough to the impress the preliminary panel.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2011-12-24T14:49:00.004+02:00

SMOKING HOT

2011-12-24T07:47:00.003+02:00

Donique Leonard was one of 11 "randomly selected" contestants to appear in a special Christmas Swimwear photo shoot at the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant in Xi'an, China. With one exception, the group of girls selected for the shoot do not appear to be that "random" and could quite easily be included in the final line-up come final night on 27 December.

MRS SA OUT IN ORLANDO

2011-12-22T08:27:00.003+02:00

Laurette Batstone (Mrs SA 2010) could not emulate the performance of her predecessor, Joani Johnson, and was eliminated from competition at the 2011 Mrs World pageant when the semi-finalists were named.

57 countries and regions competed at the pageant held in Orlando, Florida on 15 December. The pageant was won by the delegate from the USA, followed by the delegates from Vietnam and Peru.

DONIQUE IS AN ACE

2011-12-22T00:34:00.005+02:00

Donique Leonard is a product of the well-known Ace Models in Mossel Bay. Ace Models is owned and managed by former Mrs South Africa, and current owner of the Mrs South Africa pageant, Joani Johnson.

Pageant experts and commentators at the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant in Xi'an, China are very optimistic about the chances of our lovely Miss Tourism Queen SA, and believe she will "ace" at least 87 of the delegates and make the Top 5 next Tuesday.

Should Donique make the Top 5 at the pageant next week, she will have improved on Bokang Montjane's 6th place at Miss World and become South Africa's Grand Slam Queen for 2011.

COOL, COOL CAVE

2011-12-21T20:35:00.006+02:00

Donique Leonard (South Africa) and Antonia Shinana (Namibia) joined the other 90 contestants at the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant at the Cool Cave in Hujiang Park where they learned about a famous local love story.

They also witnessed a re-enactment of a traditional Chinese Weddding where the reigning Miss Tourism Queen International, Yekaterina Grushanina (Russia) got "married" to Global Beauties correspondent, Chris Kuntz.

At a presentation on Tuesday night the format for the final was explained. The parade of nations will be followed by the announcement of the top 20 candidates with the highest marks from the pre-judging event. Then a top 10 will be picked, and finally a top 5.

A same question will be asked to all finalists, and the judges will select the new Miss Tourism Queen International. Both Southern African delegates are strongly tipped to make it through to the final rounds of the competition.

SURPRIZE PACKAGE

2011-12-20T08:25:00.005+02:00

Whatever the outcome at the Miss Tourism International pageant on 31 December, Charlsey van der Heyde can hold her head high. After not being given much of a chance by local "experts", she is holding her own against far more seasoned delegates, and a place in the semi-finals is a distinct possibility.

SUNDAY IN XI'AN

2011-12-18T21:42:00.004+02:00

Southern Africa's beautiful contestants at the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant Donique Leonard (South Africa) and Antonia Shinana (Namibia) spent Sunday visiting tourism attractions in and around Xi'an, China.

The delegates visited the Lintong National Tourism and Resort Spa. They got lectured on environment protection, and planted trees in a new ecological area.

Then they moved to the beautiful Huaqinga Aegean Hotspring resort and spa, with its amazing hot springs and natural pools. There they got the chance to learn a few steps and moves of a local form of cultural expression.

Later a group of delegates also got to visit the Terracotta Army or the “Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses”.

MISS DIAZ GOES GLOBAL

2011-12-18T09:19:00.005+02:00

The annual Miss Diaz pageant takes place in Mossel Bay next week. The semi-final will be held on 23 December where 10 finalists will be selected to contest the final. The Grand Final takes place on 26 December.

This prestigious event is well-known for the excellent quality of delegates. The last three winners have all gone on to make the Top 12 at Miss SA. The last three winners are Careen Truter, Daniecka Riehl and Rolene Strauss.

Not only will the winner of the pageant gain direct entry into the quarter-finals at Miss SA, but in association with SA Beauties, she will also get to represent South Africa at a leading international pageant in 2012 provide she is at least 1,72m tall.

Should the winner not satisfy the minimum qualifying height of 1,72m for international competition, the highest ranked finalist that does will compete in her place.

For more information on how to enter, please contact Joani Johnson on Facebook.

CHARLSEY ROCKS KL

2011-12-18T08:51:00.002+02:00

Charlsey van der Heyde is flying the SA flag in Kuala Lumpur where she is competing at the Miss Tourism International pageant. The pageant final takes place on 31 December.

CYCLE FUN IN XI'AN

2011-12-18T08:03:00.005+02:00

Donique Leonard (South Africa) and Antonia Shinana (Namibia) joined the other candidates at the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant and did something millions of Chinese do every day: they rode bikes! From the City Hall, they spent quite some time seeing some of the picturesque places Xi’an is proud of.

Something else the Chinese love doing that the candidates did today, was fly kites. They also visited the Xian Tang Hanguang Entrance Remains Museum, the first Chinese City Entrance Remains Museum, where they gained greater knowledge of this ancient city. And they shopped at the Tang West Market.

TWINKS ACE CHRISTO

2011-12-18T07:46:00.004+02:00

Christo du Plessis proved to be too manly at the Mister International pageant in Bangkok, Thailand yesterday when he was kept out of the Top 16 by a group of "barely legal" youngsters. Not only was the average age of the semi-finalists very low, but the inclusion of a number of them caused an eyebrow or two to be raised.

It is interesting to note that the delegates who had National Directors at the pageant (and who served on the preliminary panel), all made the cut. Whilst they can bleat on about "fairness", the matter brings the integrity of the pageant and the results into question.

For the record, the pageant was won by the delegate from Brazil, followed by the delegates from Czech Republic, Vietnam, Indonesia and Sweden.

NEWS FROM MALAYSIA

2011-12-17T09:47:00.005+02:00

South Africa's Charlsey van der Heyde joined the other 54 delegates at the Miss Tourism International pageant in Malaysia on a tour of the city of Penang. The tour included a visit to the famous Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion.

The pageant final takes place in Kuala Lumpur on New Year's Eve.

WELCOME TO MISS TQI

2011-12-16T13:11:00.004+02:00

Donique Leonard (South Africa) and Antonia Shinana (Namibia) joined the other delegates at the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant for the traditional welcome dinner and brief in Xi'an, China. The 6th and final Grand Slam pageant for the year takes place on 27 December.

MISS TQI KICKS OFF

2011-12-15T17:06:00.003+02:00

The 2011 Miss Tourism Queen International pageant has started in Xi'an, China where more than a 100 contestants from as many countries and territories have gathered to contest the final Grand Slam pageant of the year. Here South Africa's Donique Leonard is pictured with the delegates from Macedonia and China.

NO LOVE LOST

2011-12-14T18:05:00.003+02:00

It was very interesting to note that Bokang Montjane never thanked Wendy Futcher during her farewell speech at the national pageant on the weekend. The rumours about there being no love lost between the two of them must have been true. But then Bokang had a problem with Catherine Constantinides as well.

Conclusion: Either both Wendy and Catherine are horrible people, or Bokang has a problem with discipline and authority. Hmmm!

MISS TOURISM QUEEN INT'L

2011-12-14T09:28:00.003+02:00

Donique Leonard from Mossel Bay and Antonia Shinana from Windhoek departed from Cape Town International yesterday and will be in Xi'an, China later today where they will compete with delegates from more than a 100 countries and regions for the Miss Tourism Queen International crown.

The pageant final will be held on Tuesday 27 December.

HEADING FOR TOP 5

2011-12-11T23:47:00.005+02:00

Whilst Mister International SA, Christo du Plessis, is getting mixed reviews from pageant fans and commentators who are following the Mister International pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, a leading website in Indonesia is certainly a fan of our representative.

Christo was voted into the Top 5 in both the swimwear and national costume polls that were conducted by the webmaster. Let's hope these poll results can convert into a place in the Top 5 come Saturday 17 December.

KL HERE I COME

2011-12-11T12:58:00.003+02:00

South Africa's Charlsey van der Heyde has departed for Kuala Lumpur where she will compete with delegates from 54 other countries for the Miss Tourism International crown.

ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK

2011-12-10T05:52:00.004+02:00

Mister International SA, Christo du Plessis, parades in swimwear and national costume at a charity event at the Dream Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. Delegates from 30 countries have arrived in the Thai capital to contest the Mister International final on Saturday 17 December.

MISS TOURISM INTERN'L

2011-12-09T20:20:00.005+02:00

Miss Tourism International SA, Charlsey van der Heyde, departs for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Sunday to compete for the international title with delegates from more than 50 countries.

LEAGUE APART

2011-12-08T18:42:00.001+02:00

Mister International SA, Christo du Plessis, is definitely a man amongst boys in this group shot from a photo session at the Mister International pageant in Bangkok, Thailand.

DONIQUE SIZZLES

2011-12-08T18:04:00.003+02:00

Miss Tourism Queen SA, Donique Leonard, sizzles at a recent photo shoot in preparation for her trip to China next week. Donique will compete against delegates from more than a 100 countries and territories for the Miss Tourism Queen International crown.

MISS TOURISM QUEEN SA

2011-12-08T07:45:00.002+02:00

Miss Tourism Queen SA, Donique Leonard, departs for China on Tuesday where she will compete with delegates from more than a 100 countries and regions for the international title. Donique qualified for the pageant by winning the Miss Surf title earlier this year.

CHRISTO TOUCHES DOWN

2011-12-07T20:17:00.006+02:00

Mister International SA, Christo du Plessis, has arrived in Bangkok for the Mister International pageant. Here he is photographed with the delegates from Brazil, Indonesia and France in the lobby of the Miramar Hotel.

To show your support for Christo, please "like" his profile picture on Facebook. Click here to link to the page.

HIGH ROAD TO BANGKOK

2011-12-06T15:37:00.004+02:00

Mister International SA, Christo du Plessis, departed from OR Tambo International earlier today en route to Bangkok where he will compete for the Mister International title with delegates from 37 other countries.

MISS BODY BEAUTIFUL

2011-12-06T09:18:00.001+02:00

Whilst she didn't place in the Top 15 as was widely predicted, South Africa's Dorah Mtetwa was awarded the Miss Body Beautiful title at the Miss Yacht Model International pageant in Haikou, China on the weekend.

MISS BODY BEAUTIFUL

2011-12-04T10:27:00.000+02:00

Dorah Mtetwa was named Miss Body Beautiful at the Miss Yacht Model International pageant in Haikou, China on Saturday 03 December before being unceremoniously dumped from the competition when the semi-finalists were announced.

In an absolutely shocking, but not unexpected result given that the pageant was held in China and Chinese panels traditionally do not vote for black contestants, Dorah was not amongst the Top 15 at the pageant.

GINA LANDS TOP SHOOT

2011-12-04T07:59:00.003+02:00

Gina Mwoombola, Namibia's entry at the Miss Yacht Model International pageant in Haikou, China might not have impressed the panel of judges at the pageant, but she certainly caught the eye of the editor of a leading Chinese publication. The leggy Namibian beauty has been commissioned to do a photo shoot for the magazine later today.

BLACK-OUT IN CHINA

2011-12-03T16:57:00.004+02:00

An all too familiar scene played out in Haikou, China earlier today when Dorah Mtetwa (South Africa) and Gina Mwoombola (Namibia) fell victim to the notorious Chinese "black-out" and both Southern African delegates failed to make the cut at the Miss Yacht Model International pageant. And to add insult to injury, the third black delegate from Bahamas was also excluded from the semi-finals.

For the record, the delegate from Belarus won the title, followed by the delegates from Brazil and China. 63 contestants competed at the pageant.

LUCKY THIRTEEN?

2011-12-03T10:58:00.001+02:00

Rumour has it that, despite the usual PR gash about the Top 12 at the national pageant being the best yet, the group this year is considered particularly average "behind closed doors". Perhaps they should make room for a 13th finalist to improve the standard.

HEADING FOR BANGKOK

2011-12-03T01:28:00.002+02:00

Mister International SA, Christo du Plessis spent the day finalising his wardrobe for the Mister International pageant to be held in Thailand from 07 to 18 December. He also collected his National Costume from Costume World SA in Pretoria.

Delegates from more than 40 countries will compete for the title on 17 December.

BACKING SIAN...

2011-12-01T10:34:00.001+02:00

... to win the national beauty contest next month.

YACHTING BEAUTIES

2011-11-30T20:13:00.004+02:00

Southern Africa's Dorah Mtetwa (South Africa) and Gina Mwoombola (Namibia) soak up the sun in Haikou, China at the Miss Yacht Model International pageant.

A PICTURE...

2011-11-30T18:35:00.001+02:00

... is worth a thousand words.

FUN(NY) FACT

2011-11-30T17:54:00.003+02:00

Cape Town might have the newest wonder of the natural world, but, for the first time in history, couldn't produce a finalist in the national beauty pageant.

FUN IN THE HAIKOU SUN

2011-11-29T18:35:00.003+02:00

Dorah Mtetwa (South Africa) and Gina Mwoombola (Namibia) are the picture of health at photo sessions in Haikou, China where they are competing for the Miss Yacht Model International title. The final takes place on Saturday 03 December.

ROCKING THE YACHT

2011-11-29T18:29:00.001+02:00

South Africa's Dorah Mtetwa looks fabulous on one of the luxury yachts at the Miss Yacht Model International pageant which is currently underway in Haikou, China. The pageant final takes place on Saturday 03 December.

APARTHEID STYLE PAGEANT

2011-11-29T07:47:00.004+02:00

Don't you just love these Apartheid style pageants that are popping up all over the place? And they're socially acceptable because they favour the "right" demographic. It also appears that there are no deserving girls "of colour" outside of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal either.

Sies! Unilever you should hang your heads in shame. I think the "non-target" demographic in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, and everybody in the rest of the country should boycott the brand.

SNAPZ FROM HAIKOU

2011-11-28T07:15:00.004+02:00

Dorah Mtetwa (South Africa) and Gina Mwoombola (Namibia) joined the other 57 contestants at the Miss Yacht Model International pageant on a sightseeing expedition of Haikou yesterday.

NAMIBIANS ARE FUN

2011-11-27T05:50:00.004+02:00

She's only our second delegate from Namibia at an international pageant, but Gina Mwoombola is displaying the same joie de vivre at Miss Yacht Model International that her fellow countrywoman Susan van Zyl displayed at Miss Supranational.

They really can teach their South African counterparts, who are highly-strung, uptight and troublesome, a thing or two about enjoying life and seizing every moment with both hands and cherishing them.

Namibian (pageant girls) are fun.

TQI GIRLS GET READY

2011-11-27T00:58:00.004+02:00

Donique Leonard (South Africa) from Mossel Bay and Antonia Shinana (Namibia) from Windhoek are Southern Africa's delegates at the 2011 Miss Tourism Queen International pageant to be held in Xi'an, China from 10 to 29 December.

Whilst Donique was selected to represent South Africa by virtue of her win at the Miss Surf pageant in April, Antonia was only appointed 2 days ago when the original entrant was found not to have met the entry requirements when she was measured at 2cm under the minimum height of 1,72m.

The girls depart from Cape Town International on 9 December for Beijing from where they will fly to the pageant venue in Xi'an.

LAST BOARDING CALL

2011-11-24T05:35:00.004+02:00

Southern Africa's Yacht Model lovelies Dorah Mtetwa (South Africa) and Gina Mwoombola (Namibia) leave for the Miss Yacht Model International pageant in Haikou, China later today. Dorah leaves from OR Tambo on Emirates and Gina leaves from Cape Town International on Air Malaysia.

Bon voyage ladies! Go and make us proud. To show your support for our representatives, please vote for them here.

SA PAGEANT MAG LAUNCH

2011-11-21T06:55:00.004+02:00

It's been a long time coming, but finally South Africa will have it's own pageantry magazine. The magazine will be launched in digital form to start with, but a hard copy version is planned for 2012. The magazine will cover local pageants, titleholders and SA's international delegates.

It is bound to irk local journalists who have taken it upon themselves to only report on the negative aspects of pageantry in South Africa. I have news for them. In the words of Donald Trump, there is no such thing as negative publicity.

So best they find another aspect of South African culture to change and squeeze into their little box of what they consider relevant in this day and age. There are more pageant fans out there than they care to admit.

Click on the logo above to take you to the magazine's Facebook page.

MONEY AND SENSE

2011-11-19T23:11:00.002+02:00

Oh dear! So the North West government has put in a bid to host the Miss Universe pageant at Sun City. I wonder if the "peanut gallery" that is praising the initiative realises that it's tax-payer's money that is going to foot the bill for this provincial government ego trip?

As a pageant fan I should be in 7th Heaven, but as a tax-paying citizen I'm appalled that the money being used to stage the pageant could not be put to better use. Particularly in a province where many of the citizens go without the basic essentials on a daily basis.

And yes! It will cost almost double the R90 million that the Johannesburg City Council paid to host the Miss World Circus in 2008 and 2009. Apparently the powers that be have more money than sense.

BEAUTY WITH A PORPOISE?

2011-11-14T21:01:00.001+02:00

Nope! It's Esther Williams with a Seahorse, Chief Mandela.

FABULOUS KASHI

2011-11-14T19:05:00.007+02:00

I was searching for pictures for the Miss International album and came across this really fabulous picture of Natasha Kashimoto at the dress rehearsal. I am still of the opinion that she should have made the Top 15 at least.

Perhaps if a member of the Mandela family had been sent to support her at the pageant, she'd have been "fast-tracked" to a 6th place at the pageant, notwithstanding the fact that her scores didn't suggest a 6th place finish. Oh well!

And to think that she has been the victim of racism at the hands of the self same whiney bitch who has been mouthing off in Rapport. But this girl has class, and won't be making a twat of herself in a national newspaper.

MISS YACHT MODEL NAM

2011-11-14T10:08:00.002+02:00

South African Beauties has selected 20-year-old Gina Mwoombola to represent Namibia at the Miss Yacht Model International pageant in Haikou, China from 25 November to 04 December. Gina is a full-time student at CPUT and a part-time model with Full Circle Model in Cape Town.

SA @ MISS UNIVERSE

2011-11-13T08:33:00.003+02:00

South Africa competed at the first two editions of Miss Universe in 1952 and 1953, and after a break of six years, competed again from 1960 until 1968. After yet another break of six years, the country competed on nine occasions from 1975 until 1984, only missing 1980 when Jenny Kay was refused a visa by the Korean government.

South Africa was excluded for ten years from 1985 until 1994 for political reasons, but has competed every year since 1995 when Augustine Masilela placed 7th in Windhoek. Our delegates have enjoyed mixed results since then having made the semi-finals at least on 10 occasions out of a possible 17.

It is interesting to note that, as a rule, black South Africa delegates who have competed at both Miss Universe and Miss World generally perform better at the latter than at the former, and white South Africans who have competed at both pageants generally perform better at Miss Universe. This is probably due to the Miss World Organizations policy of having at least one black African delegate in the Top 7 since 2000 as a matter of course.

Right now Margaret Gardiner remains the only outright winner at the pageant and the only way she can be replaced at the top of the list is for someone to win the title beating a field of more than 74 which was the number of delegates Margaret beat in 1978. Given that there are now more than 85 delegates, the next SA delegate who wins at Miss Universe will move into the top position.

Where actual final placements are known, the delegate's name appears in bold. Where the final placement is not known, the highest possible position in which she could have finished in the field has been used to determine her "score" for the purposes of this ranking list.

SA @ MISS WORLD

2011-11-12T20:38:00.004+02:00

When Bokang Montjane stepped onto the stage at the Miss World pageant last Sunday, she became the 50th South African to compete at the pageant in 61 years. The total number of South African contestants includes contestants who wore the Miss South Africa or Miss Africa South sash.

But how do they weigh up against one another? Should it simply be a case of taking their actual placement at the pageant to determine a ranking system or not? I say no! How can a 3rd place in a field of 50 delegates equal a 3rd place in a field of 100 delegates for example?

The fairest comparison would be to determine each delegates final placement expressed as a percentage of the number of delegates against whom she competed in her particular year. In other words their placements are weighted.

Right now Penny Coelen remains the only outright winner at the pageant and the only way she can be replaced at the top of the list is for someone to win the title beating a field of more than 21 which was the number of delegates Penny beat in 1958. Given that there are now more than 100 delegates, the next SA delegate who wins at Miss World will move into the top position.

Where actual final placements are known, the delegate's name appears in bold. Where the final placement is not known, the highest possible position in which she could have finished in the field has been used to determine her "score" for the purposes of this ranking list.

PAGEANT PORTFOLIO'S

2011-11-11T11:05:00.003+02:00

For the perfect pageant portfolio, please contact Carla Winter at Digital Moment Studio in Somerset West at 021-851-8063. She has a package that will suit your needs, and your pocket.

MISSING OUT, MISS SA

2011-11-08T23:06:00.006+02:00

Rapport fave, Michelle Gildenhuys was featured in yet another article on the pages of the former co-owner of the Miss SA pageant. And one imagines that if they were still owners of the pageant, they would have sought out the gorgeous Cape Town lass to wear the crown given to the loveliest girl in the country.

But that was then, and this is now. And with a few exceptions, the term loveliest most certainly has been redefined if the current crop of finalists is anything to go by. Gone are the days when a mere glimpse was required to determine whether the wearer of the crown was the loveliest. Now one has to wait for them to open their mouths.

And judging by the gash that most of them spew on the Road to Miss SA show every weekend, it is apparent that they really have no idea what to look for and have lost the plot. But that's what you get when you have degenerate old has-been showgirls on the panel of judges.

SO IT'S TOP 7

2011-11-07T11:15:00.003+02:00

So Miss South Africa, Bokang Montjane only made the Top 7 at Miss World despite my "conspiracy theory"? Although I'm not so certain that I was too far off the mark given that she started off the competition in 8th after prelims and kept dropping (as low as joint 17th at one stage) after the bonus marks were added for fast-track competitions before rallying to finish in the Top 7.

What does remain puzzling is how she did end up in the Top 7 when she was in 10th place behind Zimbabwe when entering the Top 15 round. With no visible "judging" taking place in the round of 15, I wonder how she ended up improving?

When the Top 3 where being announced, I must admit that I almost succumbed to a bout of the flutters when she was not amongst the runners-up and the prospect of a "win" was on the cards. Thankfully the pageant world could breath a sign of relief when the sensationally beautiful Miss Venezuela was named Miss World, and a potential "melt-down" in pageantry was averted.

Am I being too harsh in my criticism of Miss South Africa? Well, no. Not if there is any truth in the rumours surrounding the reasons for her coronation last year. And when it comes to the Miss SA pageant of late, where there's smoke there's usually fire, particularly when the rumours come from different, unrelated sources.

In any event, well done to Bokang. She will go down in history as having made the Top 7 at Miss World 2011. A year from now all "conspiracy theories", rumours and other behind the scenes manipulation will be forgotten and her name will still be on the Honours Roll.

PS. I love the look of disgust on her face in the picture above when Venezuela was named the winner. Almost looks like an Albatross just crapped on her upper lip.

SOMETHING FISHY

2011-11-05T09:12:00.004+02:00

When it was announced that Miss World would be screened live on SABC, I immediately smelled a rat. Or was it something fishy? For a national broadcaster that is on the verge of bankruptcy, it didn't make sense to spend so much money on a pageant broadcast. Not when the other international offering is at least 3 years old in any event.

I stand corrected, but the last time Miss World was broadcast live in South Africa was in 1999 when Sonia Raciti placed third in London. Yes, we did see the pageant live in 2001, 2008 and 2009, but then it was hosted in South Africa and it would have been a bit of a travesty if South Africans could not see a show that they were, in effect, paying for courtesy of the tax-payers contribution.

Could it be that the national broadcaster knows something that pageant fans and experts don't? Our representative this year is an outside shot at best to make the semi-finals, let alone make the Top 7, Top 3 or even win. Even a place in the semi-finals would probably be considered the most remarkable recovery in the history of international pageantry.

Whilst the general opinion of pageant experts is that Bokang Montjane probably finished way down the order at Miss Universe and, in the absence of official placements down the order, remains speculation, a finish near the top at Miss World would be nothing short of a miracle.

Sure there are been other delegates who did well at Miss Universe and not at Miss World, and vice versa, but generally the "misses" were very close calls and they finished just outside of the official rankings. But then again we are dealing with the Miss World pageant.

This is the same pageant that was taking money from Apartheid South Africa for it's entries until 1977 and, probably would have continued doing so was it not for the fact that an ever-increasing number of boycotts and withdrawals because of SA's presence at the pageant would have resulted in about 20 countries attending the pageant by the mid-80's.

In 1989 Eric Morley nearly bitch-slapped Michelle Bruce for daring to show her face at an event in Hong Kong where the Miss World contestants were attending a dinner, but 2 years later the same organization was sucking up to the same South Africans whom they had "dissed" for 13 years to bail their pageant out of the dwang.

Let's not forget that irrespective of merit, Julia Morley will have at least one delegate from each continent represented in the finals of the pageant, and that only "black" South Africans count in her "perfect social model for international pageants". White South Africans apparently do not count judging by the failure of some of our delegates who did and would have made a great showing at other international pageants.

Also, why is the Department of Arts and Culture, and the ANCYL so involved in a pageant that should, in essence, be apolitical. Could it be another "info scandal" where money is exchanging hands for a positive image of South Africa and it's current regime being projected abroad? Infogate 2?

This then begs the question: Will Bokang be placed (not place, because that implies merit) 2nd or 3rd at the pageant tomorrow night? I smell something fishy.

OUR NEXT MALE STAR

2011-11-03T22:53:00.006+02:00

Not to be outdone by his female counterparts, Anton Duvenhage from Stellenbosch has been strutting his stuff in front of the cameras in preparation for international competition. 21-year-old Anton is a student at the University of Stellenbosch and is scheduled to compete at a leading international pageant for men.

And that's not all folks. Since the photographs from his photo session at the Digital Moment Studio in Somerset West have been released, he has been invited to join a leading Cape Town model agency. Way to go Anton.

ON THE OTHER SIDE...

2011-11-03T22:31:00.004+02:00

... of the earth, there's a place where life still has worth. Ok! Enough of the Miss Saigon lyics. But it could be another Vietnam war if Miss South Africa, Bokang Montjane fails to make the cut at Miss World on Sunday night.

After failing to make the Top 20 in both the Beach Beauty and Top Model fast-track events, Bokang has had to resort to schmoozing her way into the Top 20 at the pageant by making the Top 30 of the Beauty with a Purpose fast-track event (affectionately referred to by this writer as the ""UGLY CHICK SUCKING UP FOR A SPOT IN THE SEMI-FINALS WHILST HIDING BEHIND SOME RANDOM PURPOSE THAT SHE'LL FORGET ABOUT AFTER THE PAGEANT" fast-track).

In any event, best of luck to her. She's going to need it. Either that, or a big fat cash deposit into the Variety Club International's cheque account.

BUT FIRST...

2011-11-03T22:16:00.004+02:00

Before Natasha Kashimoto takes to the stage in Chengdu, her fellow South African, Ane Reynolds, will be attempting to become the first semi-finalist from South Africa at the Miss Tourism Queen of the Year pageant in Yingtan. The pageant has been held on four occasions previously, and no South African has succeeded in making the semi-finals.

According to reports from the pageant, Ane has been making an impact since her arrival more than 2 weeks ago. A round of applause from the panel of judges in response to her answer to one of their questions certainly won't hurt her chances.

Ane! We're holding thumbs for the first leg of a South African double whammy in China this weekend.

MISS SOUTH AFRICA

2011-11-03T12:08:00.003+02:00

I was asked today why I haven't been commenting on the Miss SA pageant this year. Well! Quite frankly! The pageant has generated so much negative publicity this year, that I actually feel sorry for the bozo's that run the show. Besides which I have nothing good to say, and as a dear friend has told me "in a situation like this... 'n toe mond is 'n heel mond".

And unless something really spectacular happens, none of the supposed finalists (with a few exceptions) has attracted my attention as an international pageant scout to the extent that I feel the need to follow proceedings.

FACE OF SUMMER

2011-11-02T12:03:00.003+02:00

Miss Bikini International SA, Louise Muller has entered the Face of Summer Top Model Search in Cape Town. Besides being a search for a gorgeous winner, it is also part of Jacques Fagan's Mr SA charity drive. Jacques is the reigning Mr Universe Model SA.

Please vote for Louise here by clicking "like".

MISS INTERNATIONAL PIX

2011-11-01T22:53:00.005+02:00

Whatever the outcome at the 51st Miss International pageant on Sunday, everyone at the event in Chengdu, China will tell you that Natasha Kashimoto has been a phenomenal representative for South Africa.

She has been the darling of the Japanese media who are covering the pageant, has impressed all and sundry with her previously undiscovered drumming skills, and has smiled each and every day.

MISS BIKER SA

2011-11-01T20:46:00.007+02:00

As part of her preparation for the Miss Atlantico Internacional pageant in Punta del Este, Uruguay in February next year, Cape Town's Sheree-Lee Gildenhuys has entered the Miss Biker SA pageant.

Please vote for her here.

MISS TOURISM QOTY

2011-11-01T12:30:00.003+02:00

Ane Reynolds from Gordon's Bay takes to the stage on Saturday 05 November in her quest to win the Miss Tourism Queen of the Year title. 53 contestants from around the world are in Yingtan, China for the pageant.

CHENGDU SNAPSHOTS

2011-10-28T22:03:00.006+02:00

After a week at the Miss International pageant in Chengdu, China our fantastic representative Natasha Kashimoto appears to be on course to defy the odds stacked against black delegates from Sub-Saharan Africa and is tipped to be included in the Top 15 on Sunday 06 November.

Ultimately she needs to impress a panel of judges to achieve that objective, but if it was up to pageant experts and fans around the world, her inclusion in the group of semi-finalists would be a mere formality.

Earlier this evening, Natasha was selected as one of four finalists in the talent competition, and will perform her drumming routine at a sponsor's dinner tomorrow where the Miss Talent award will be presented.

For now, here are a few more snapshots of Natasha in China.

HOT YACHT MODEL

2011-10-25T23:54:00.002+02:00

Well-known Johannesburg beauty queen and model, Dorah Mtetwa will be South Africa's representative at the inaugural edition of the Miss Yacht Model International pageant in Haikou, China at the beginning of December. Dorah was a finalist in the 2008 and 2010 editions of the Miss South Africa pageant.