Miss World South Africa to compete in Miss World

Twenty-five-year-old Van Heerden, from the Western Cape, will be representing South Africa against 123 other countries in the competition which is watched worldwide by almost one-billion people.

The 67th Miss World competition takes place at the Crown of Beauty Theatre in Sanya, China (People's Republic of China), on November 18 when Puerto Rico's Stephanie Del Valle will crown her successor at the end of the event.

The contest gets a new look this year with the introduction of Head to Head Challenge events which take place between October 21 and November 15 at different locations visited by the contestants.

Twenty groups of six (sometimes seven) countries will compete with the winner of each group automatically qualifying for the Miss World Top 40. 

This comprises the 20 Head to Head Challenge winners, five fast track event winners and 15 selected by the judges. 

A schedule of the exact dates and times of each Challenge event will be issued after the Miss World Group draw takes place. 

This includes an online live broadcast challenge where the public gets to choose the winner.

Van Heerden is a second lieutenant in the South African Military Health Services and comes from Herold's Bay. 

Van Heerden is delighted to be representing South Africa on the Miss World stage.

 "I could not have asked for a more incredible opportunity and am determined to give it my all and make our country proud. I look forward to sharing with the world my passion to protect and heal human kind." says Van Heerden