Miss South Africa 2015

A radiant Liesl Laurie was crowned Miss South Africa 2015 at a glittering ceremony held at the Sun City Superbowl on Sunday night.

The runners-up are Refilwe Mthimunye from Bronkhorstspruit (1st Princess) and Ntsiki Mkhize from Kliprivier, Midvaal (2nd Princess).

An excited and overwhelmed Laurie, a 23-year-old B.Com graduate from Eldorado Park, said she was determined to make a difference during her reign.

In her Miss South Africa acceptance speech, she said: “I am ready for the responsibility that has been placed on my shoulders. Taking on the title of Miss South Africa, I look forward to exploring our beautiful country, to see its beautiful landscape but most importantly to connect with its people. I am proud to stand here as an ambassador of South Africa and my fellow South Africans.
“My legacy would be to be a Miss South Africa for South Africans, for the people. I want every person to see a little bit of themselves in me. Being an inspiration and a beacon of hope is what I strive for. I want each person to look at me and remember that one can be as great as you want to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination and the dedication you can achieve anything.”
She also thanked her mentor Tatum Keshwar for her input and advice.

As Miss South Africa 2015 Laurie has won cash, a car and products valued at nearly R2 million. Included in this package, sponsor Cell C is giving the winner access to R200 000 to spend on random acts of kindness.

The event, broadcast live on television, was a star-studded affair with a gathering of the biggest number of former Miss South Africa title holders ever including Miss World’s Rolene Strauss, Anneline Kriel and Penny Coelen Ray and one of the country’s early Miss South Africa’s, Adele Kruger who took the crown in 1957.