PHOTOS: Rolene Strauss' reign as Miss World ends

For Strauss, who was a fourth year medical student at the University of the Free State when she was crowned Miss South Africa nearly two years ago, it is only another chapter in her journey, with next year promising to be an even better year than 2015.

“It could end up being even busier than the past 12 months,” said Strauss.

The soon to be Mrs Strauss has a wedding to plan. In February she will walk down the aisle with her fiance D’Niel Strauss.

However, her studies will be one of her main focuses as she returns to Bloemfontein to continue her dream towards becoming a medical doctor.

“I want to change the perception of and improve women’s health in South Africa so my medical degree is important to me and medicine will always by my passion,” said Strauss.

“Thank you for the wonderful memories and lifelong friends I have made and the opportunities I have received. It has been an absolute honour to represent South Africa throughout the world, to tell our story to those I met and to experience the positive influence our story has had in various countries.

“The biggest lesson I have learnt during my year as Miss World is that it doesn’t matter what we do or where we are, we are busy designing history.”

Rolene receives a big welcome in Mexico, July 2015

Rolene with the people of Mumbai, April 2015

Rolene scales to the top of the Dongfeng Race Team's Mast during Volvo Ocean Race in Sanya, February 2015

Rolene inaugurates the new oncology ward at the Philippines General Hospital, February 2015

Rolene in Oaxaca, July 2015

Rolene in Shirpur, April 2015

Rolene relaxing in Jamaica, August 2015

(Photos from www.missworld.com)