No Miss SA pageant this year

 

Johannesburg – Melinda Bam, 2011 Miss South Africa and this year’s FHM Sexiest Woman in the World, has been appointed as National Executive of the Miss SA pageant.

This move comes from owner Sun International’s concerted effort to revamp the brand name in order to appeal to a younger audience.

Another change made by the hospitality giant is that the pageant has been moved from its yearly December slot to March, which also means that the next crowning will only be happening next year. Current reigning Miss SA Marilyn Ramos is excited about her extended reign, which will hold until the March 2014 crowning.

Sue Klerck, Sun International executive, believes that this move makes the most sense.

“It allows the title holder to compete internationally at the Miss World and Miss Universe pageants which are typically held during the last two months in the year of their reign. Also in previous years, our current title holder has been away competing internationally and was unable to attend the pageant to hand over the crown to the new Miss South Africa.”

Rebranding beauty

The brand seeks to market itself as a platform for developing potential among South African women who have a drive for success and facilitating social change, moving away from it's out-dated reputation. Bam does not consider beauty pageants a thing of the past, and hopes to grow the brand with her experiences and insight.

“I was proud to be crowned Miss South Africa. I believe in what it stands for, that beauty only enhances the qualities that are of much greater importance like having the drive to make a success of your future, living a generous life that impacts on someone else's and making a tangible change.”

Online entries for the 2014 pageant open on 8 July, which you can also enter on their Facebook page. Entries close on 31 August.