Miss Universe is coming home

Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, Miss Universe 2017, will return to South Africa for her official homecoming celebration next Wednesday.

Nel-Peters, pictured, made history when she became the second South African to win the sought-after crown, the first being Margaret Gardiner who won the pageant in 1978.

As the 66th Miss Universe winner, Nel-Peters will embark on a week-long celebration that includes visits to Johannesburg, Cape Town and her hometown, Sedgefield.

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

During her visit to SA, Nel-Peters will host Unbreakable workshops in Soweto and Cape Town. She will also revisit victims of the Knysna fires who were beneficiaries of her fund-raising efforts for disaster relief in 2017.

Nel-Peters says she is thrilled to officially return home: “I can’t begin to express my gratitude. Being a global ambassador is as much a responsibility as it is an honour.

“Our nation is comprised of many different backgrounds and cultures, one of the many things that makes me proud to be a South African.

“I am excited to celebrate this achievement with my people.”

Her whistle-stop tour includes a street parade in Sedgefield; attending the horse-racing event The Sun Met, as well as meeting with dignitaries and former Miss South Africa title holders.