We’re SO excited for Adè van Heerden, who has taken over the Miss SA title.

First princess at the Miss SA 2017 pageant, Adé was crowned the new Miss South Africa at a ceremony at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton.

She has taken over the role from Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, who was sensationally crowned Miss Universe over the weekend. Nel-Peters was just the second South African to win the prestigious title.

Van Heerden, a qualified doctor, was also chasing international honours recently, having contested the Miss World pageant in China on 18 November. She made it to the Top 10 stage and was awarded the Beauty With A Purpose prize.

It’s a very overwhelming feeling but, at the very same time, I’m very content,” said Van Heerden.

“I knew that his was my calling. My timing was just different. We got to show the world something incredible, what happens when women support each other, what happens when women uplift each other.

“We produced a Miss Universe and a Top 10 and Beauty With A Purpose at Miss World. It’s something so special, I feel very proud… I feel so proud of my country right now.”

On how the Miss World experience was for her, Van Heerden revealed: “Travelling through China for a month was quite a challenge, especially when you have 100kg of luggage with you, but it was quite an incredible experience.

“There were 118 girls  from all over the world and they’re all the best their countries have to offer, and you get to learn from each and every single one of those girls and that is something not a lot of people get to experience in their lifetime.

READ NEXT: 5 beauty shopping tips for millennials

“I came back home so much richer. I learnt things about countries, different cultures and religions, things I never would have if I didn’t do Miss World.

“I feel like Miss World has kind of prepared me to be Miss SA now. It gave me a different perspective. It was like a warm up.”

AUTHOR: Kedibone Modise