Season 52
Miss South Africa is an annual South African beauty pageant which is aired as a television special, in which women from around the country between the ages of 18-25 compete to win the title, which they hold for a year.
The pageant began in 1956 and has been held annually ever since (with the exception of 1983, the only year in which there has been no pageant). The winner of the pageant traditionally represents South Africa at the Miss World pageant, and often at the Miss Universe pageant as well.
The 52nd annual Miss South Africa pageant took place at the Sun City Superbowl on Monday 15 December 2008. It was broadcast live on SABC2 from 19h30-21h00.
Miss South Africa 2008
This year, the Miss South Africa pageant took on a new look combining a catwalk/couture meets pageant feel.
The 12 Miss South Africa finalists wore high fashion garments created by some of South Africa’s best designers namely Thula Sindi, Malcolm Klûk CGDT, Gerrit Pienaar, Charlene Sauerman, Marc & Michael, Colleen Eitzen, Leigh Schubert and Marion & Lindie.
The pageant was produced by Mark West, Executive Producer of Cap Events, who was the producer of eight Miss World pageants, including those in India and the Seychelles, and 11 Miss South Africa pageants.
The entertainment line-up featured a fusion of R&B, Afro-pop and other genres.
The search for the 12 finalists for Miss South Africa 2008 was broadcast over four episodes on SABC2 on four consecutive Fridays: 21 and 28 November; and 2 and 12 December.
For bios of the 12 finalists in 2008, see the links to their profiles below.