Press Release
Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss has been crowned Miss World, becoming the first Miss South Africa to take this prestigious title since Anneline Kriel's reign in 1974.
An ecstatic Rolene beat 124 contestants from around the globe and justified the faith thousands of South Africans had that she would win.
This fourth year Volksrust medical student was also the bookmakers’ favourite to win the title and she didn’t disappoint.
In her acceptance speech Rolene said she was both proud and humbled to have won and that her dreams had become reality: “My country is my pride and my purpose has and will always lie within it.”
When Rolene won the Miss South Africa title in March this year she said in her acceptance speech that she had goose bumps thinking just thinking about the title.
“In my country we are all here from different backgrounds and cultures but we have one thing in common - we are South Africans. I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am to represent such a diverse nation.”
Rolene is remembered for her drive, what she brought to the title and how she has represented South Africa not only nationally, but also internationally.
She says: “Not only has the Miss South Africa title taken me places, but I have also learnt from the women who walked this path before me. Together with my visions and dreams, I can catapult the meaning and relevance of the Miss World title to an even higher level.”
Throughout her reign Rolene has emphasised her passion for health and fitness. “It’s is all about living, loving and giving.” She has emphasised the importance of women's health and its empowering effect on our everyday lives. “We are capable of so much more when we are healthy; physically, mentally and emotionally.
“As I stand before you my dream is now a reality, my journey now at its beginning. I am part of something bigger, part of a beautiful picture painted with different colours, cultures, backgrounds and dreams. We are all part of the painting.”
Say Chief Executive Officer, Jose Dos Santos of sponsors Cell C: “We at Cell C are delighted with Rolene’s amazing win at the Miss World Pageant. As Miss South Africa she has shown the resilience and determination to make a difference in the world and we are convinced that she will prove a wonderful ambassador for the Miss World brand. We also know she is carrying the South African flag with pride. Congratulations!”
It was a sentiment echoed by Graeme Stevens, CEO of Sun International: “Sun International would like to congratulate Rolene on being crowned the new Miss World which is a massive achievement. We are convinced that she will make as superb ambassador and inspire a generation of young girls who wish to reach for a dream.”