A new crown for Miss South Africa will make its debut on Sunday. That’s the day the prettiest woman in the land will be crowned as Miss South Africa 2023. On her head, will be placed, a brand new coronet dubbed Mowana, the “Tree of Life”.

New Miss South Africa crown

Earlier this week the organizers of the Beauty Showcase announced that reigning Miss Universe, R’Bonney Nola Gabriel, will join 4 other leading South African personalities on the judging panel for this year’s competition. The 4 others are Leandie du Randt, Thuso Mbedu, Devi Sankaree Govender and Jo-Ann Strauss.

More about the crown

The crown, called Mowana is the brainchild of Ursula Pule, who is the creative director and co-founder of Nungu Diamonds, the proud sponsor of the new Miss South Africa crown. Pule has spent several years harnessing her skills in jewellery design and has created memorable pieces for celebrities such as Somizi Mhlongo, Connie Ferguson and Dineo Langa.

She says: “My inspiration came from a safari we took in Musina in 2019; from the magnificent baobab tree, also known as the Tree of Life. As you drive into Limpopo, you see these exquisite trees – unlike any other trees – that represent our African heritage.”

Pule added, that while on a game drive, she saw the sun rise behind a baobab and was mesmerised.

“That was my inspiration and I have carried that vision with me all these years.”

She says the new title holder will become a South African ambassador and role model to young people everywhere. The lucky lady will carry the weight of our heritage and of one of the most recognisable symbols of our country – a tree that signifies life.

The inspiration behind Mowana

According to a media statement, the baobab is revered just as women, who are cherished as sources of life and positivity, are. Both are symbols of strength and resilience.

Pule also used the African sunrise as a metaphor to symbolise the rise of Miss South Africa at the start of her reign. This signifies the beginning of her new life as our queen.

The design is minimalist and simple to allow the precious stones to speak for themselves.

“Mowana is the first crown of its kind in South Africa and is made up of over 800 stones comprising diamonds, gemstones and cubic zirconia, the biggest weighing 15 carats,” says Kealeboga Pule, CEO and founder of Nungu Diamonds.

“As Nungu Diamonds we were honoured to introduce the 2023 Miss South Africa Crown, inspired by the rich heritage of South Africa, at the official crown launch in Pretoria.”

Minimalist design

Nungu Diamonds, in partnership with the Miss South Africa Organisation, is the exclusive crown and jewellery sponsor for the Miss South Africa pageant for the next three years.

MORE ABOUT: The search is almost over

Miss South Africa 2023 will take home prizes and sponsorships worth more than R3 million.

Here are the Top 7 competing for the crown:

Anke Rothmann (23) from the Northern Cape;
Bryoni Govender (26) from Gauteng;
Homba Mazaleni (23) from the Eastern Cape;
Jordan van der Vyver (27), from the Western Cape;
Melissa Nayimuli (27) from the Eastern Cape;
Nande Mabala (25), from the Western Cape and
Natasha Joubert (25) from Gauteng.

More details about the big event

The Miss South Africa pageant takes place on Sunday at Sun International’s flagship venue, the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria. Miss South Africa 2023 will be broadcast live on SABC 3 from 18h30 and streamed live for an international audience on the Miss South Africa app.

The Miss South Africa App can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.