Melinda Bam, Miss South Africa 2011, has given her fans a sneak peek into her preparations for the Miss Universe competition taking place at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, on the 19th of December 2012.

Melinda made headlines earlier this year when it was announced that she would not be taking part in the Miss World pageant. Bam apparently withdrew for ‘personal reasons’ but pretty soon nasty rumours about nude pics began to surface.

There were also whisperings about a planned boob job on top of speculation that Sun International themselves had decided to withdraw Bam because she would be ‘a losing horse’.

However, despite the drama, the beauty queen is still determined to bring the Miss Universe title back to SA.

In an interview with ZAlebs, she revealed, “I’m leaving on the 9th of November. My preparations are underway and going really well – I’m excited to go and represent South Africa.”

Click here to browse our gallery of images

Images via Gallo Images/Foto24 /Brendan Croft