And your Miss Universe for 2023 – is R’Bonney Gabriel!
The 28-year-old R’Bonney from Houston, Texas, was crowned in New Orleans. During the heart-stopping finale, Gabriel held hands with Miss Venezuela 2022 (Amanda Dudamel). The crowds went ballistic as the new holder of the Miss Universe crown was from American soil.
Miss Universe 2023 first runner-up is Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel and second runner-up is Miss Dominican Republican Andreina Martinez.
Facts about Miss Universe R’Bonney
She Creates Eco-Friendly Fashions
R’Bonney has stated that she works as a fashion designer, sewing instructor for domestic violence survivors and an advocate for sustainability in the fashion industry. She made her gown from a thrift store coat!
She Is The First Filipina-American to Win Miss Texas USA
Her response to winning, during an interview was, “I’m getting messages on Instagram and just social media of Filipina girls and women telling me they’re so excited, they’re so happy. They’re crying tears of joy because they are inspired to go after pageantry or something.”
What About Miss South Africa?
Miss South Africa 2022, Ndavi Nokeri, reached the lofty heights of the Top 16 of the competition. The 23-year-old comments on her time at the Miss Universe pageant, “obviously I would have like to go further but I am delighted to have made it into the Top 16 of the competition. The whole experience has been beyond my wildest expectations and it has been a true journey of the sisterhood.”
The Limpopo-born Ndavi – who will celebrate her birthday soon – competed against contestants from 84 other countries, and was a stand-out competitor in the pageant. Miss Universe is reportedly one of the longest running beauty competitions in the world – having started in the 50s. It is watched by over half a billion people annually.
Ndavi graciously congratulated Miss Universe winner, R’Bonney and wished her well for the term ahead,
“I want to thank everyone for their wonderful support and I am proud of what I have accomplished. I know that I gave it my all and the Miss Universe experience will be something I will never forget. I am looking forward to returning to South Africa to complete my reign and my advocacy campaign Ed-Unite.”
Miss SA returns home with Miss Supranational crown
Mzanzi! Meet your new Miss SA, Ndavi Nokeri
This is your sign to drink some water
During her time as Miss South Africa Ndavi launched her advocacy campaign called Ed-Unite. A passion project that brings equal educational opportunities to the forefront.
Stephanie Weil, CEO of the Miss South Africa Organisation says she is incredibly proud of Ndavi, “we believe that she did South Africa proud and her performance was remarkable from start to finish. We look forward to welcoming her home where her Miss South Africa journey will continue.”
