Ndavi Nokeri crowned Miss South Africa 2022

JOHANNESBURG - Ndavi Nokeri is the new Miss South Africa!

The 23-year-old from Tzaneen in Limpopo was crowned in a glitzy ceremony on Saturday night at Time Square's SunBet Arena in Pretoria.

The fan favourite had earlier won the People's Choice Award. 

Nokeri made top three with fellow contestants Lebogang Mahlangu and Ayanda Thabethe.

And during the final question-and-answer session, when asked what the most important thing is to keep the unity of our nation, the BCom Investment Management graduate said history is the greatest teacher.

"To know where you are going, you need to know where you come from. Being a nation that comes from a history of a past of racial segregation, we know that when we were divided, we were at our weakest. So as Miss South Africa I would implore us to stand together and embrace every single culture, gender, race and sexuality because in our diversity we are strong."

"I am Miss SA 2022. I have uttered these words more than a thousand times before, but to be able to say it today and it actually being my reality is so humbling. Look at God," said the newly-crowned queen in her acceptance speech. She thanked her parents, family and friends for rallying behind her as she chased this dream.

"For a girl from Gabaza to be seen, embraced and chosen to represent her country is a groundbreaking moment. A moment that reaffirms that our dreams are valid, regardless of where we come from," she said.

Nokeri will represent South Africa at three pageants - Miss World, Miss Universe and Miss Supranational.

She takes over the reins from recently-crowned Miss Supranational - Lalela Mswane.