Introducing Miss SA 2022
JOHANNESBURG - Ndavi Nokeri, the 23-year-old from Tzaneen, Limpopo, was crowned Miss South Africa 2022 at a glittering pageant finale on Saturday night.
Viewers first heard from their new pageant queen during the Top Five Q&A with the judges.
Nokeri selected former Public Protector, Professor Thuli Madonsela, who asked: “Our Constitution permits us to use it as a bridge to heal the divisions of the past and create a new society based on social justice. How will you use your title as Miss South Africa to lead the nation to embrace the Constitution and play their part in advancing social justice?”
“We cannot say we are moving forward as a nation while half of the country is still getting left behind,” Nokeri answered. “50 per cent of our country is still living below the poverty line. And it is our responsibility to ensure that we create a sustainable, innovative and most importantly, an inclusive South Africa so that we can unlock opportunities for all.”
Nokeri advanced to the Top Three with fellow contestants Lebogang Mahlangu and Ayanda Thabethe. The trio were then asked the same question submitted by a fan on social media.
“As a South African, what is the most important thing to do to keep the unity of our nation?” host Anele Mdoda asked. “To know where you are going, you need to know where you come from. Being a nation that comes from a past of racial segregation, we know that when we were divided, we were at our weakest,” Nokeri confidently answered.
“So, as Miss South Africa, I would implore us to stand together and embrace every single culture, race, gender and sexuality. Because in our diversity, we are strong.”