Palesa to Mowana: Miss SA crowns over the past decade [photos]

The Miss SA pageant has been trending on social media after it crowned its new queen, Tiyani Makama, with a headpiece resembling a party favour from a fast-food restaurant.

Unlike years before, the organisation – now run by the Motsepe family – failed to showcase the significant piece of jewellery, which is considered a symbol of national identity, heritage, and the responsibility that comes with representing the country.

WHAT HAPPENED TO MISS SA AND MOWANA?

Over the weekend, the Miss SA organisation trended online after chairperson, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, gifted Tiyai Makema a makeshift crown and a cape.

The organisation later claimed that the headpiece was a “temporary ceremonial crown”, and invited designers to collaborate with it to create an official piece of jewellery.

Later, Nungu Diamonds set the record straight, stating that Miss SA had failed to renew its sponsorship agreement to continue using its Mowana crown.

Nevertheless, it had offered the use of the crown to the pageant, in good faith, as negotiations continued.

However, Miss SA organisers decided against using the crown and were likely left scrambling for a replacement.

CROWNS OVER THE PAST DECADE…

Take a look at some of the crowns worn by Miss SA winners over the years…

Palesa : 2014 – 2015

Created by Jack Friedman Jewellers and Malcolm Kluk, the crown featured titanium designs of indigenous South African plants.

The crown was worn by Rolene Strauss and Liesl Laurie.

Enhle: 2016 – 2018

Jack Friedman Jewellers and Howard Friedman created a sterling silver crown which included three large purple sugilite stones, associated with love, protection and healing, as well as an amethyst and white quartz crystals.

The crown was worn by Ntandoyenkosi Kunene, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, and Tamaryn Green.

Buhle: 2019 – 2022

American Swiss, in collaboration with Johan Louw, created a sterling silver crown featuring 2,500 cubic zirconia stones.

It was inspired by the Ndebele culture and was designed to resemble shooting stars.

It was worn by Zozibini Tunzi, Shudufhadzo Musida, Lalela Mswane and Ndavi Nokeri.

Mowana: 2023 -2025

Nungu Diamonds created the last crown – a silver frame featuring hundreds of diamonds, gemstones and cubic zirconia.

It was inspired by the baobab tree, indigenous to Limpopo and was worn by Natasha Joubert, Mia Le Roux and Qhawekazi Mazaleni.