Pinch-me moment for Ndavi as she lives her dream

MISS South Africa will not only be representing her own country when she takes part in the Miss Universe competition, but she will also be paying homage to the rise of Africa as the continent continues to influence global pop culture.

Reigning title-holder Ndavi Nokeri yesterday revealed both a farewell gown and her national costume that she will wear at the 71st Miss Universe pageant, which takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the US on January 14.

The reveal took place at The Maslow Hotel Sandton and was embraced by

Miss South Africa 2019 and Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi.

Praise singer Masingita Shibambu entertained the guests, and Nokeri’s extended family were all in attendance, including her father Moses and her mother Betty, as well as her siblings.

The inner costume was made by

Sello Medupe of Scalo Designs, who also designed the national costume for Thato Mosehle at Miss Supranational last year. “The audience should expect vibrant, bright colours reflective of our rainbow nation and an African goddess.

“I am delighted to be showcasing raw African culture in a modern way,” said Medupe.

The national costume also includes a set of wings built by Henk Henderson of Henderson Worx.

Miss South Africa Organisation’s creative director Werner Wessels said: “With the wings, we wanted to showcase flight and represent something that is ascending because African women in the world are busy rising.

“We are seeing this in so many pop culture moments, such as The Woman King and Wakanda Forever.

“Audiences are really taking notice of African culture, specifically focused on African women, and Ndavi is proud to represent that.”

Nokeri also unveiled her farewell gown, designed by Juan Visser of Juan William Aria, who is responsible for all her pageant gowns, including her preliminary outfit and finale gown.

Visser said work on the gowns began more than two months ago.

And the final word goes to the South African queen herself.

“My Miss Universe preparations are at a peak, and I can’t believe that in a month’s time I will be heading to the US to represent South Africa. It’s a real ‘pinch me’ moment and a dream come true for me,” said Nokeri.

“My national costume and gowns are spectacular and everything that I could have dreamt of to feel confident on the Miss Universe stage.

“I am delighted that my national costume incorporates my Tsonga culture.

“From the very beginning of my Miss SA journey, I always wanted people to know that I was standing for Tsonga people because, growing up as a child, I felt as if we were under-represented.

“At the same time, we’ve incorporated the fact that I’m South African and African. This is so beautiful because I’ve come to learn that as Africans, we are more alike than we are different thanks to our shared experiences and values.

“It is a proud moment for me to make all Africans feel seen, understood and represented.”