Zoalize speaks out over Miss SA shocker

Zoalize Janse van Rensburg has spoken out for the first time after her premature exit from the Miss SA pageant over the weekend.

The 20-year-old beauty queen – a firm fan favourite – failed to make the Top 5.

Tiyani Makamu was crowned the new queen, alongside runner-ups, Cwenga Koyana Kotu-Rammopo and Lesego Khumo Nyathela.

ZOALIZE SPEAKS OUT AFTER MISS SHOCKER

On social media, many South African pageant fans have expressed their shock at Zoalize Janse van Rensburg’s disappointing exit from Miss SA.

The 20-year-old law student and published children’s book author was tipped to win the crown, ultimately taken by 27-year-old media graduate and entrepreneur Tiyani Makamu.

In a subsequent Instagram post, Zoalize congratulated Tiyani and thanked her followers for their support.

She shared: “Proud of what we did here, guys…Onto the next chapter”.

Zoalize did not respond to comments claiming that she was “robbed” of the crown.

EXPERIENCED BEAUTY QUEEN

Before her premature exit, Zoalize van Rensburg had been tipped as a favourite to win the Miss South Africa crown as she was a familiar face in the pageant world.

In 2023, she placed as first princess at the Miss World South Africa finale, and a year later re-entered and won the crown.

Last year, she represented South Africa at Miss World in India. Although she failed to make the Top 40, she won the Best Designer Dress award for Africa.

This year, Zoalize – a law student and published children’s book author – entered Miss South Africa for the first time.

At just 20 years old, she had a strong fan base and an even stronger advocacy campaign – Her Never Too Young to Advocate initiative focuses on youth empowerment, education and giving young people a voice. 

She has also used her platform to speak at the 2024 United Nations International Social Justice Conference.