Miss SA comes home

The region beamed with pride, and rightfully so, as Miss South Africa and Miss Universe second runner-up Lalela Mswane descended on her hometown of KwaSokhulu on Sunday.

A win for Lalela was a win for every resident of the lowly town situated on the outskirts of Richards Bay – home to the 24-year-old beauty queen, ballerina and bachelor of law graduate.

As the reigning Miss South Africa 2021, she shone at the glittering 70th Miss Universe pageant held this past December.

An ambition that was nearly squashed at the last moment, Lalela overcame immense political pressure and a cloud of controversy to achieve her childhood dream.

Government withdrew its support for Lalela and

Miss South Africa after the organisation refused to pull out of the Miss Universe contest in Israel, amid calls for a boycott to show support for the Palestinian people.

Being rejected by clients in the modelling industry, Lalela has often mentioned how rejection helped mould her into the resolute woman she is today.

‘My indomitable will to succeed is fortified each time I’m told ‘no’.’

The persevering spirit of Lalela is an inspirational beacon of hope to the underprivileged girls of KwaSokhulu who never imagined that one of their own would flourish on a global stage.

The resilient story of Lalela proves that nothing is impossible in the pursuit of success.

While politicians ironically bask in her glory now, it is sad that nobody spoke for her, defended her cause or rallied behind her when there were mounting calls for her to pull out from the Miss Universe pageant.

Lalela stood alone but stood tall as no one was going to deprive her of the right to participate on an international modelling stage.

Halala Lalela, halala! The Zululand region celebrates your victory, tenacity and resilience – traits that many young Zululanders are sure to emulate.