There's a war of words currently happening on Twitter, pitting Miss SA fans against Miss Universe fans.
Things kicked off when the official account for Miss South Africa (@Official_MissSA) posted a message thanking all 2020 hopefuls for their entries.
Using the #MissSa2020 hashtag, the organisers said: "Thank you to ALL the women who decided to let their voice be heard by facing their power and embracing their future! You put on a garment of courage and because of you we have made history together and broken the record of the number of entries received!"
The total number of entrants were 2 538, breaking previous years' records. The post was accompanied by a short audio clip with various manner of greetings in some of the country's official languages.
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissSa2020?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissSa2020 pic.twitter.com/6grF8Xg0eA
— Miss South Africa (@Official_MissSA)
Twitter was quick to notice the absence of current Miss SA Sasha-Lee Olivier in the audio, who assumed the mantle from title holder Zozibini Tunzi who was crowned Miss Universe in December 2019.
Some even suggested that she front the campaign for new hopefuls. The post also brought up debate of who the reigning Miss SA is, pitting the two beauty queens against each other.
People are being rude about disregarding Sasha as Miss SA.. Its quite crass and rude.. Personally I am also a huge fan of Zozi but to disrespect Sasha in her name is quite crass.. The fact remains Sasha is the current Miss SA and Zozi is Miss Universe..Lets not be snaaks
— Dudoo (@Dudoo_D) June 4, 2020
Miss SA 2019 Sasha Lee, put some respect on her name👑 pic.twitter.com/hwOc32AYfL
— Road to 2k Subs (@tumipitswane) June 4, 2020
Sasha is Miss SA
— Kangaroo Court Reporter (@_afro_politan) June 4, 2020
Zozi is Miss Universe
Can we let them both flourish in their roles & not pit them against each other. https://t.co/ZuQ8yr8Iy9
One user even called for the pageant to be put on hold this year, a sentiment that is shared by many.
South Africa will be perfectly fine without a Miss SA for a year.
— Koshiek Karan (@iamkoshiek) June 4, 2020