Prepare to be captivated by the stunning beauty of the new Miss South Africa 2023 crown, named Mowana, which is adorned with a breathtaking array of 800 precious stones. This remarkable coronet, the brainchild of Ursula Pule, creative director and co-founder of Nungu Diamonds, is set to make history as the first of its kind in South Africa.
Named after the “Tree of Life,” Mowana represents not only the magnificence of nature but also the weight of South African heritage. Pule drew inspiration from a safari in Musina in 2019, where she was mesmerized by the baobab tree, an iconic symbol of African heritage. The sunrise behind the baobab served as a metaphor for the rise of Miss South Africa, symbolizing the beginning of her reign as a queen.
The design of Mowana is deliberately minimalist and simple, allowing the brilliance of the precious stones to take center stage. Comprising diamonds, gemstones, and cubic zirconia, the crown boasts over 800 stones, with the largest weighing an impressive 15 carats.
Pule, who has honed her skills in jewelry design over the years, has created memorable pieces for renowned celebrities such as Somizi Mhlongo, Connie Ferguson, and Dineo Langa. Nungu Diamonds is also proud to be the exclusive crown and jewelry sponsor for the Miss South Africa pageant for the next three years.
The winner of Miss South Africa 2023 will not only receive the honor of being an ambassador for the country but will also take home prizes and sponsorships worth more than R3 million. The top seven contestants vying for the crown are Anke Rothmann, Bryoni Govender, Homba Mazaleni, Jordan van der Vyver, Melissa Nayimuli, Nande Mabala, and Natasha Joubert.
The Miss South Africa pageant, set to take place at the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria, promises to be a spectacular and entertainment-filled event. With renowned actor Thuso Mbedu and media personality Bonang Matheba on the judging panel and the glamorous show being broadcast live on SABC 3 and streamed internationally on the Miss South Africa app, it is an event not to be missed.