Abigail Pierre-Louis who hails from Haiti, has been crowned Miss Global Heritage 2022. The 25-year-old scooped the coveted crown at a spectacular pageant finale held in Limpopo, on Heritage Day 24 September 2022.
The 10th edition of the prestigious cultural pageant finale was hosted by actress and TV host Khanyi Mbau and comedian Mpho Popps. The Kalahari Waterfront Lodge was filled with ululation and excitement as Abigail's name was called and she couldn't contain her excitement as former Miss South Africa 2020 Shudufhadzo Musida crowned her.
It was fitting for the event to be celebrated on heritage day and it saw 35 vying for the coveted crown. Sadly, there could only be one winner because the competition was fierce, the judging categories were even more tight, judges were precise in choosing a winner who embodied the Miss Global Heritage crown wholeheartedly.
The glittering event saw Zimbabwe's finest Eva Mzondiwa being crowned first runner-up and our very own Zabelo Hlabisa becoming second runner-up. During her reign, Abigail said she would focus on empowering entrepreneurs.
"I am going to continue with a series of digital entrepreneur seminars. I have a digital marketing agency. I feel like if you don't have a website or a place where you market your business you are left behind. We are starting a two-day seminar in December to help digital entrepreneurs with their businesses.
Taking to her Instagram account, Miss Heritage 2022 expressed her gratitude for the support throughout her journey.
"Thank you, EVERYONE, for your love and support Thank you to my Haitian heritage for building me into the woman I am today to have the tenacity to persevere through anything life throws at us ✨🇭🇹 So excited to see the way we change the world with this crown," she wrote.
The crown was designed by Wumba Kapo of Akapo Jewellers who recently opened a shop in DaVinci Hotel in Sandton said the crown is made out of pure sterling Silver set with 217 blue, white, and pink cubic zirconia. “The inspiration was created by African hands, is drawn from the abundance of natural resources and cultures that are found in South Africa,” said Kapo.
Several delays rocked the event, which started an hour later leaving guests questioning what was happening behind the scenes. According to various sources close to the situation, Khanyi Mbau was unhappy with the organizer's unfair treatment. A source said they apparently had to calm the agitated "Queen of Bling" down to continue with her hosting duties, as she was refusing to continue hosting.
An hour later, Khanyi graced the stage, but did not even take pictures with the winner shortly after her crowning. “Next year promises to be even a better event as we are learning and striving to make this a memorable event that people will always look forward to in the future,” said Nhlanhla Shabangu the Chairman of the Pageant backed by the Founder Ronald Tisauke.
What also raised eyebrows was Mpho Popps returning an envelope containing the names of the top 3 contestants back to the judges. Mpho said he was not happy with the envelope "I was not happy with it, I've taken it back to our adjudicators," he said.
A few minutes later, they presented the envelope back to him and he announced the winner.
