While beauty pageant contestants are often labelled as sent-centred and dizzy, these Miss SA queens are turning the myth on its head, showing you can be beautiful and smart.
Miss SA has had an impressive few years on the international stage. Tamaryn Green was runner-up at the Miss Universe pageant last year, while Rolene Strauss was crowned Miss World in 2014.
But life has not stopped there for these ladies. From degrees to thriving careers, these pageant winners are squashing the myth that beauty pageants are for bimbos.
Zozibini Tunzi (born 18 September 1993) is a South African beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss South Africa 2019.
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Prior to winning Miss South Africa, Tunzi was completing a Bachelor of Technology graduate degree in public relations management at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and worked as a graduate intern in the public relations department of Ogilvy Cape Town.
Tamaryn Green (born 19 August 1994) is a South African model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss South Africa 2018. The former Miss South Africa opened up earlier this year about the struggles she faced when returning to her studies following her reign.
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But despite the difficulties, she’s managed to complete her qualification in medicine.
Liesl Laurie (born December 24, 1990, in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg is a Media personality, model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss South Africa 2015. She has a Bachelor of Commerce General degree and is a social activist.
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Basetsana Julia "Bassie" Kumalo (née Makgalemele; born 29 March 1974) is a South African TV personality, beauty pageant titleholder, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Her career began in 1990 when she was crowned Miss Soweto and Miss Black South Africa at the age of 16. She was crowned Miss South Africa in 1994.
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She holds several qualifications including including an Executive Education Diploma in Global Leadership from Harvard University.
Rolene Strauss (born 22 April 1992) is a South African doctor and beauty pageant titleholder who won Miss South Africa 2014 and was later crowned Miss World 2014.
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Melinda Bam (born 13 May 1989) is a South African TV Personality, presenting popular TV show Pasella & Wies Jou Poppie (season 1-3), international model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss South Africa 2011, She holds a B.Com Marketing Degree from the University of Pretoria.
