#MissSA2017: 'This is for every little girl with a dream'

Ade van Heerden, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and Boipelo Mabe celebrate at the crowning of Miss South Africa 2017. Picture: Yolanda van der Stoep

Ade van Heerden, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and Boipelo Mabe celebrate at the crowning of Miss South Africa 2017. Picture: Yolanda van der Stoep

Published Mar 27, 2017

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Pretoria - “I would like to thank my Heavenly Father for everything. He has blessed me just as he promised when he said I know the plans I have for you.”

This was part of the acceptance speech of a radiant Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters after she was crowned Miss South Africa 2017 at a glittering ceremony held at Sun City, held in partnership with Cell C.

“As a young girl, I would watch the Miss South Africa competition wishing with all my heart that one day I, too, would be able to walk on that stage, just like those glamorous women I saw on television. Tonight that dream came true

“So, as I stand here tonight, I wear this crown not only for that little girl in front of the TV but for every little girl with a dream, every South African with a dream of a better life, for every single person with a wish of wanting to live as the highest, truest versions of themselves. I will continue to wear this crown for all of them throughout my reign.

“Tonight I stepped on that stage as Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters; I now greet you as Miss South Africa 2017.”

The 21-year-old, who hails from Sedgefield in the southern Cape, could barely hold back the tears as Miss SA 2016, Ntandoyenkosi Kunene, placed the coveted crown on her head. Nel-Peters is doing her final year in BCom Business Management.

Boipelo Mabe, who was one of the crowd favourites, was second princess with first princess going to Ade van Heerden.

Mabe, 23, hails from Alexandra in Joburg, and is a full-time Masters student, model and newsreader on Soweto TV, while 25-year-old Van Heerden is a medical doctor and second lieutenant in the South African Military Health Service. She is from the Western Cape.

Pretoria News

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