Cape Times

Warm SA welcome for proud Miss Universe

- Staff Writer

MISS Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters received a rousing welcome at OR Tambo Internatio­nal Airport yesterday.

She was welcomed by Minister of Women in the Presidency Susan Shabangu.

Nel-Peters arrived back for the first time since being crowned Miss Universe. She is the first Miss Universe to come out of South Africa since 1978. She will now embark on

week-long celebratio­n a that includes visits to Cape Town and her home town of Sedgefield.

Nel-Peters will host Unbreakabl­e workshops in Soweto and Cape Town with members of the community. She will also visit victims of the Knysna fires who were beneficiar­ies of her fundraisin­g efforts for disaster relief in 2017.

As Miss Universe, NelPeters will work to empower women around the globe through her Unbreakabl­e campaign, an initiative she created in South Africa by partnering with self-defence experts to educate, empower and train women how to handle situations, including various forms of assault, toxic relationsh­ips and sexual harassment.

“I can’t begin to express my gratitude and how proud I am to represent our country as Miss Universe.

“Being a global ambassador is as much a responsibi­lity as it is an honour. “Our nation is comprised

many different background­s of and cultures – one of the many things that makes me immensely proud to be a South African.

“I am very excited to celebrate this achievemen­t with my people in the spirit of Mzansi,” she said.

Her whistle-stop tour includes a parade in Sedgefield, an appearance at the prestigiou­s horse-racing event The Sun Met on Saturday, as well as meeting with dignitarie­s and former Miss South Africa title holders at Cell C head office.

 ?? Picture: Itumeleng English/African News Agency/ANA ?? HOME AT LAST: Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters returns to South Africa for the first time since she was crowned. She received a warm welcome yesterday at OR Tambo Internatio­nal Airport.
Picture: Itumeleng English/African News Agency/ANA HOME AT LAST: Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters returns to South Africa for the first time since she was crowned. She received a warm welcome yesterday at OR Tambo Internatio­nal Airport.

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