​I had the pleasure of meeting the Miss SA 2020 finalists to welcome them to Cape Town.

The 10 contestants competing for this year’s crown are in the Mother City for production shoots in preparation of next month’s grand finale.

This will be the first time in the competition’s 62-year history that Miss South Africa is crowned in Cape Town.

It will take place in the form of a hybrid event with limited people in the audience as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Miss South Africa is an iconic South African event which has over the years made the dreams of many young women a reality and elevated their status as change makers in society.

We are aware this year’s pageant finale is happening while the entire world is still reeling from an unprecedented pandemic, but we believe proceeding with events such as Miss South Africa, will provide hope and shine a light on our country’s beauty and female leaders during this period. 

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi who of course won this competition and she is the perfect example of the impact Miss South Africa has on the young women who take part in it.

After meeting with this year’s cohort, I firmly believe the Miss South Africa crown will be in good hands.

During their stay in Cape Town, they have also had the opportunity to explore our beautiful city visiting Robben Island, Table Mountain and viewed the Mother City on the City Sightseeing Red Bus.

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This is a great booster for our tourism industry which is getting back on its feet after being hit by the pandemic and the resulting lockdown.

It is important for us to kick start the economy again and events industry can play a critical role in reinvigorating the tourism sector which also comes with benefits for the hospitality and retail industries.
 
Without an operational events industry, many artists, production companies, venues and many other workers in the value chain remain in crisis and jobless.
 
Allowing for the gradual and managed reopening of the events industry as an urgent intervention, will assist the industry to commence recovery and to alleviate the economic distress.

And we believe that can start with Miss South Africa here in Cape Town.

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