21-year old Interior Architecture student Marilyn Ramos from Pretoria has been crowned Miss South Africa 2012.

Hosted by former Miss South Africa Jo-Ann Strauss and Bridget Masinga, the Miss South Africa pageant took place last night (09.12.12) at the Sun City Superbowl.

Marilyn was a crowd favourite from the moment the show started.

Guest celebrity analysts rated Marilyn as one of their top five contestants throughout the evening. Analysts included the likes of former magazine editor Sbu Mpungose, actress Minnie Dlamini and You/Huissgenoot fashion director Chu Suwannapha.

Musicians such as the Bala brothers, Jacque Terre Blanche, Toya Delazy and Zakes Bantwini all put on great performances during the show.

Miss South Africa 2011 Melinda Bam, was unable to attend the pageant as she’s currently in Las Vegas for the Miss Universe competition where she will represent SA on the 19th of December.  During the pageant Melinda tweeted the following message: “A bittersweet moment, being in Vegas living my dream, but not there to hand over my crown! I have loved this year, so blessed! #MissSA2012”.

Stacey Webb and Pearl Nxele secured the titles of First Princess and Second Princess respectively.

Miss Sou Africa 2012 was judged by Sonia Raciti-Oshry, Cape Talk and Talk Radio 702 talk show host Kieno Kammies, Metro FM sports anchor and TV presenter Robert Marawa, radio presenter Anele Mdoda and actress Sonia Sedibe.

We wish Marilyn a fabulous year as Miss South Africa!

By Molife Kumona
Images via Facebook/MsSouthAfrica