Miss South Africa crowned Miss Universe 2017

Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters was on Sunday, November, 26 crowned Miss Universe 2017 in Las Vegas, edging out rivals from Colombia and Jamaica and become the second woman from her home country to earn the crown.

The 22-year-old beat out first runner-up Miss Colombia Laura González and second runner-up Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett to take the crown.

The Western Cape native who recently earned her degree in business management at North-West University said her disabled half-sister has been among her great inspirations.

She said she wants to use her reign to champion HIV/AIDS and self-defense causes.

HIV/AIDS is a very big problem in my country South Africa, so I hope to stand as an advocate for that,” she said before reporters after the event.

During the competition's Q&A segment, the newly crowned Miss Universe was asked about the most important issue she thought women were facing in workplace.

In some places, women get paid 75 percent of what men earn for doing the same job, working the same hours, and I do not believe that is right, she said.

I think we should have equal work for equal pay for women all over the world.

Miss Colombia and Miss Jamaica also impressed the judges during the Q&A segment, answering questions on how to talk to children about terrorism and sexual harassment, respectively.

Sexual harassment is a form of abuse and no abuse should be tolerated whether in the workplace or in society, Bennett said.

I believe that men and women should come together and be professional.

 

Along with the title, Nel-Peters earned a yearlong salary, a luxury apartment in New York City for the duration of her reign and more prizes.

The competition's top 13  finalists were Thailand, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Spain, Ireland, Croatia, Great Britain, USA, Brazil, Canada, Philippines, Venezuela and China.