Miss SA entries open on July 8

SOUTH Africa’s ‘sexiest woman in the world’ is joining the Miss SA team, while the current Miss SA is to hold her crown till March.

These are two of the dramatic innovations to the pageant announced on Wednesday. Melinda Bam, named ‘sexiest woman in the world’ for 2013 by lad mag FHM South Africa and a former Miss SA herself, becomes national executive of the pageant’s company, while current Miss SA Marilyn Ramos will hold on to her title for another three months, relinquishing it only in March next year.

The moves, by pageant licence holders Sun International, are designed to reinvigorate the beauty competition and make it relevant for today’s youth.

“It made huge sense to move the pageant from December to March. 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,” explained Sun International’s Sue Klerck.

 

Bam believes there’s still place for beauty contests, not just in South Africa, but across the world.

What is her response to people who believe that beauty contests are past their sell-by date?

 

“I think (people) underestimate the role and impact of Miss South Africa due to an uninformed opinion or a lack of interest.

“Beauty is perceived as something that is superficial, unattainable and unrealistic, and sends a dangerous message influencing young women’s self-image.

“Miss South Africa is a brand that embraces what it means to be feminine, but also places equal emphasis and exemplifies the deeper value of beauty with a purpose that empowers other women to have an enlightened self-image.”

 

Entries for Miss South Africa 2014 open on July 8, 2013 and close on August 31. Entry forms will be available online from July 8 at www .misssa.co.za and www.face book.com/Ms South Africa.

Bam’s advice to those young women who are planning to enter the pageant: “Enter when you believe you can bring more to the title than just wearing the crown and competing in the pageant. Miss South Africa is not a means to an end; it is the starting point of a journey to enhance the qualities you should already have.” – Staff Reporter