Miss South Africa contestant withdraws from competition
Only nine ladies will now compete for the Miss South Africa crown.
The Miss South Africa Organisation recently announced the Top 10 contestants competing for the crown on 25 October, at the Sun Bet Arena, Times Square, Pretoria.
Taking to social media, the organisation shared stunning pictures of the Top 10 competitors, all eagerly waiting to claim the crown and use their platforms to create a lasting and meaningful impact.
But in a recent statement, the Miss South Africa Organisation announced that one of its contestants has voluntarily withdrawn from the competition.
READ: Who will be the next Miss SA? Here are the Top 10
The statement did not reveal who the contestant was, but it was made clear on social media and the official Miss South Africa website that the contestant is 27-year-old Lebohang Msimanga.
"After deep reflection, she concluded that stepping back at this time would best serve her individual path and well-being," the statement revealed.
"The organisation respects and honours her decision, recognising that true empowerment includes the freedom to make choices aligned with one’s authentic self."
"In keeping with the spirit of this new era, which prioritises purpose, authenticity, and meaningful participation, the organisation will not be replacing her position."
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No other contender will take Msimanga's place.
"Each finalist has been selected for their unique voice and vision, and the competition will proceed with the remaining candidates who are fully committed to the EYA mission and the responsibilities of representing South Africa on the continental stage."
After searching for any communication from Msimanga, it became clear that her Instagram account had been deactivated.
Photos shared on the Miss South Africa Instagram page show the contestant with the reigning queen, Mia le Roux, but there were only nine photos.
Lebo Msimanga
Lebo Msimanga 27, from Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal (now living in Midrand, Johannesburg) holds a BCom in Economics and Marketing from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and works as a client manager and professional model.
Through her legacy project, The Lebo Leads Foundation, she helps young people cultivate leadership skills. She also volunteers with Rivers Foundation, preparing sandwiches to feed hungry children at underprivileged schools.
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Images: Miss South Africa