Adè Van Heerden Is Our New Miss South Africa 2017

Michael Sekhu - November 30, 2017

Adè van Heerden, the 1st Princess to former Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, has been crowned the new Miss South Africa today in light of Nel-Peters’ recent win at the Miss Universe Pageant.

Earlier this month, Van Heerden was placed in the Top 10 at the Miss World pageant where she competed as Miss World South Africa. This was a first for South Africa where a princess was placed in the final 10. She was also announced winner of Beauty with a Purpose along with four other contestants.

She said she was overjoyed when Demi was crowned Miss Universe: “Demi has worked to make her dream a reality and I am elated to celebrate this victory with her.

“I know that I have big shoes to fill but am thrilled and humbled to wear the Miss South Africa crown. Previous Miss South Africas have already welcomed me into the sisterhood with open arms, and I realise that I now have the responsibility of continuing the Miss South Africa legacy. A legacy that leads women of all cultural backgrounds spreads love and unites South Africans.”

During her Miss South Africa reign, Van Heerden would like to continue to focus on mental health issues, particularly amongst young women. “I would like to concentrate on a range of mental health issues – from depression and eating disorders to anxiety and how to build confidence. One of the side effects of social media platforms is that girls have become incredibly critical of themselves and they often feel unworthy. I would like to use social media as a platform to address this.”

Boipelo Mabe, who was crowned second princess at Sun City earlier this year, will now take over the position as first princess. The new Miss South Africa 2018 will be crowned in May next year, providing Van Heerden with a six-month reign. The Miss South Africa Pageant is a proud collaboration between Sun International and Cell C.

https://www.peoplemagazine.co.za/celebrity-news/ade-van-heerden-new-miss-south-africa-2017