Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane is gearing up for Miss Universe which will be held in Israel in a few days. As part of her role as Miss Universe contender, she sometimes speaks about what she is passionate about and looks for faults in that said industry whilst coming up with solutions.
Tackling the topic of sustainability and how that affects fashion, Lalela said people must do away with the obsession of new and trendy garments whereas one can re-use the ones which made an impression to the public. She also feels that in this way, she will be doing her bit in helping the planet.
"Why is it that we are so against repurposing previous garments even when those garments and fashion outfits made such an impression? We are so hungry for new, exciting and previously unseen items that we completely forget the implications of those choices and the effect it has on our planet."
In her instance, she said she will be wearing garments which have been worn by previous Miss Universe crown holders, and put a spin on them.
"That is why I decided that half of my Miss Universe wardrobe will consist out of outfits previously worn by my predecessors, the women who came before me and took our breaths away, Iβve decided to put my own spin on it and make sure that you still see me but Iβm so grateful that I get to have a little piece of them with me, and all while making a small contribution towards a more sustainable future for fashion."
Which is why she decided to post a picture of her wearing a dress which was previously worn by Miss SA 2018 Tamaryn Green.
Lalela's reign as Miss SA has gotten so much criticism from the general public because of her willingness to participate in the Miss Universe pageant which will be held in Eliat, Israel on December 12.
The reason for this is according to Mandla Mandela, "Israel is an Apartheid State and persists in its heinous occupation and expansion of its illegal settlements in violation of international law. We must persist in isolating Apartheid Israel in the same way that we isolated Apartheid South Africa.
"We call on Miss South Africa and the nation as a whole to boycott and withdraw all support for the Miss Universe pageant in Apartheid Israel. There is nothing beautiful about occupation, brutality and institutionalised discrimination against the Palestinian people."
Even the government withdrew their support for her following the backlash.
"The South African government withdraws its support and that of South Africa for the Miss South Africa pageant following the latterβs intransigence and disregard of advice against partaking in the Miss Universe pageant scheduled to be held in Israel during the month of December 2021.
What during initial consultations appeared like engaging, constructive and progressive discussions, was later met with an unpleasant demeanour that is intransigent and lacking appreciation of the potential negative impact of such a decision on the reputation and future of a young black woman." the statement read.
Miss SA organisation hit back at critics with CEO of the organisation Stephanie Weil saying, βA very, very small, but extremely vocal, groupβ had attempted, and failed, to derail Mswaneβs chances at the prestigious international pageant. As the reigning Miss South Africa she will join participants from close on 70 countries in this contest and will represent South Africa to the best of her ability.
βSouth Africa was placed very firmly in the 21st century when Zozibini Tunzi, proudly wearing her natural hair without trying to conceal it under a weave or a wig, was crowned Miss Universe. Her refusal to bow down to pressure to look a certain way was ground-breaking and opened the door to diversity and the rise of the individual as opposed to lookalikes,β said Weil.
