JOHANNESBURG – Miss World South Africa Adè van Heerden to compete in Miss World pageant in China in November.
Twenty-five-year-old Van Heerden, a medical doctor from the Western Cape, will compete against women from 123 other countries. The televised beauty and brains competition is watched worldwide by almost one-billion people.
The 67th Miss World competition takes place at the Crown of Beauty Theatre in Sanya, China, on 18 November when Puerto Rico’s Stephanie Del Valle will crown her successor at the end of the event.
Sun International on Tuesday said this year’s competition will introduce “Head to Head Challenge” events from 21 October to 15 November at different locations visited by the contestants.
Groups of six or seven countries will compete with the winner of each group automatically qualifying for the Miss World Top 40. This comprises the 20 Head to Head Challenge winners, five fast track event winners and 15 selected by the judges.
Van Heerden, a second lieutenant in the South African Military Health Services, said: “I could not have asked for a more incredible opportunity and am determined to give it my all and make our country proud. I look forward to sharing with the world my passion to protect and heal humankind”.
Sun International PR Manager Claudia Henkel: “We are absolutely delighted that Ade will be taking part in Miss World as she has all the necessary qualities to take the title; intelligence, integrity and beauty.”
Pageant coach and fashion stylist, Werner Wessels, and Miss South Africa stylist, Noreen Kajee-Vareta, will assist Van Heerden ahead of her departure.
“She will compete on the Miss World stage as Miss World South Africa 2017,” said Henkel.
– African News Agency (ANA)