Miss South Africa 2011, Melinda Bam made it to the top 10 in the Miss Universe pageant held at the Planet Hollywood hotel and casino in Las Vegas last night.

According to the bookies, the 23-year-old blonde bombshell was a firm favourite throughout the competition.

Messages of support for Melinda are flooding in via Twitter. Miss Teen SA 2011, Celeste Khumalo tweeted: “#MissSA Melinda Bam was in the top 10 Congrats Babe! We’re Proud.♥ #MissUniverse MissUSA, 2nd MissPhilippines, 3rd MissVenezuela.”

Melinda joins a line of South African’s who’ve ranked in the top 10 in previous Miss Universe pageants which includes the likes of Nicole Flint (2010), Tatum Keshwar (2009) and Kerishnie Naicker (1998).

Miss USA, Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012, followed by second princess Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon and third princess Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero.

Are you proud of Melinda?