Tshego Gaelae, a South African model, has been crowned the winner of the 40th Mrs. World pageant in Las Vegas, United States.
Sri Lanka’s Ishadi Amanda was named first runner-up, with Thailand’s Ploy Panperm taking second place.
Gaelae shared her thankfulness for her win in an Instagram post, stating, “To God Be The Glory.” Thank you so much for your love and support; I am really grateful and happy! “My beautiful South Africa, the crown is coming home.”
The organisation that supported her journey, Mrs. South Africa, also applauded the achievement in a social media post, stating, “From Soweto to Vegas and now the World, @mrsworldpageant The Crown is Coming Home! Thank you to everyone who supported our Queen on her incredible journey.
“Thank you to the @mrsworldpageant organisation and judges for everything you do and for seeing our queen and her brilliance. What an honour to have a South African queen as the 40th Anniversary Mrs. World and the first-ever Black Mrs. World.”
Gaelae’s victory comes in the wake of intensified beauty pageant rivalry between South Africa and Nigeria.
Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 Chidimma Adetshina became the first Nigerian and West African to finish as first runner-up at the Miss Universe 2024 competition, which took place in Mexico City in November.
Adetshina, who also earned the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, was questioned about her South African citizenship, prompting her resignation from the Miss South Africa competition.
Adetshina was then asked to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 competition, and she won.
The incident fuelled debate about the growing rivalry between the two countries.
