In middle November, it was announced that the South African government is withdrawing support from Miss SA due to the Miss Universe pageant being held in Israel.
The government wanted the organisers of the Miss SA pageant to boycott the event in Israel due to “atrocities committed by Israel against Palestinians”.
However, since then, the official Miss SA Twitter account has announced that Lalela Mswane will in fact be going to Israel to compete in Miss Universe.
Africa4Palestine speaks out regarding the matter
And according to Africa4Palestine spokesperson, Tisetso Magama, Mswane will be questioned on her stance for human rights due to her going to Israel.
βShe will lack legitimacy in the eyes of many as they will question her own commitment to human rights because she had allowed herself to be painted into a corner and hasnβt had the courage to speak out.β
Magama further believes that Mswane is on her way to becoming the most controversial Miss SA since the country’s democratic years.
βItβs going to be mixed bag for Miss South Africa herself, in post-apartheid South Africa. Sheβs going to be the most controversial Miss South Africa and may suffer from a legitimacy deficit.
Miss SA released a statement regarding her decision
Lalela Mswane took to her personal Instagram account to realise a statement regarding her decision to partake in the Miss Universe pageant. The international competition has been surrounded by controversy as the pressure comes from all over for beauty queens to withdraw from the competition.
Mswane begins the statement by explaining that she is incredibly honoured to be Miss SA, however, the title comes with a “huge responsibility” and she is determined to serve SA proudly.
“I stand today as an empowered woman,” Lalela said, “because of so many before me who fought for our voices to be heard. I feel my duty is to do the same for the women of the past, the women of today and the women to come.
“There is no greater time to shed light on issues affecting women, to choose courage over comfort and to be steadfast in my beliefs regarding the advancement of women and our rights. I view my participation in the pageant as a unique opportunity to not only do just that but to also be part of, and hopefully contribute to, a process of dialogue and peace.”