By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit:Lukasz Kalinowski.
Reigning Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane become the first woman of colour to win Miss Supranational 2022.
“I don’t think words could express my gratitude for this experience. The people I have crossed paths with, the memories I have made and the things I have learnt have all been so enriching,” Lalela said on Instagram ahead of the competition, which took place in Poland.
“It is by being fully myself that I’ve gotten thus far. So, in essence, trusting that I am perfect as I am and more than capable of flying the South African flag high.”
Congratulating Mswane on her historical crowning, Miss South Africa Organisation wrote on Twitter: “Congratulations to our Miss Supranational 2022. Once again history has been made. We can’t contain our excitement! We are so proud of you @Lalela_lali. You’ve represented our nation in its fullness.”
During the pageant, Mswane was asked, “Why do people fear losing things that they do not even have?” to which she elegantly answered, “I think it stems from the fear of perfection, or pressures of the worlds and trying to seek for happiness that you don’t have.”
She added, “People tend to suffer from feeling discontent with what they have, so I really think that we need to change our mentality. Attitude with gratitude should be something that we instill every single day.”
Mswane represented SA against contestants from 69 other countries, including beauties from Thailand , Venezuela and Indonesia. All three, along with Miss Vietnam, placed in the top five.