SA's Leading Fashion Designers' Creations at the Miss SA Finale

Four leading fashion designers’ creations will be on show at the Miss South Africa 2024 finale

As Anel celebrates a Miss South Africa decade, Gert gets fashion to meet technology and Londeka and Lydia make their pageant debuts

Some of the country’s top fashion designers will be dressing the finalists in a fantastic fashion-forward Miss South Africa 2024 finale which promises to be a spectacular, entertainment-packed show.

Miss South Africa 2024, which will be broadcast live on S3 this Saturday from 18h00, takes place at Sun International’s flagship venue, the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria and will also be live streamed for an international audience on the Miss South Africa app.

This year’s designers are Anel Botha, Gert-Johan Coetzee, Londeka Buthelezi-Ndaba and Lydia Mbayo.

A top talent in the South African fashion industry and owner of Anel Botha Couture, which focuses on custom made exclusive bridal, evening and cocktail wear, Anel Botha is well known for her red carpet designs which have been seen at many major events. It is a particularly auspicious occasion for Botha who this year celebrates her 10th year of being an official evening wear sponsor for the Miss South Africa Organisation and the third year of dressing the finalists for the pageant.

“I dreamed of being a Miss South Africa official designer when I started studying fashion design. Each time I get the call up I have to pinch myself! It is a privilege and I take the responsibility of designing for this huge platform seriously. You’re not only there to make the finalists competing for the Miss South Africa title feel confident and look their best, but you have a responsibility to South Africa to show them that we can perform on the world stage as equals with other countries with so many more resources and opportunities.”

She explains what audiences can expect:

“I will be dressing the Top 5 in the final scene of the night. The newly crowned Miss South Africa will be introduced to South Africa and the watching world in an Anel Botha Couture evening gown. It will exude glamour, movement and sparkle as one would expect from a pageant gown, but with a subtle African twist!”

“I think it’s important for me to shine, so those aspiring South African fashion designers out there, can see that they can also do it, as well as to allow the contestants to shine so that those future girls out there can also begin to dream! I feel immense pressure to make sure I achieve this with each and every gown I create for Miss South Africa.”

Gert-Johan Coetzee is one of South Africa’s most loved and admired fashion designers. Coetzee has dressed international A-listers from Grammy winners Lauryn Hill and Fantasia, to Kelly Rowland, Kourtney Kardashian, Kristin Cavallari and African musical superstar Tiwa Savage. He has also hosted The Bold and the Beautiful star Karla Mosely as his guest model on the runway to close a GJC showcase at SA Fashion Week. Cardi B has also recently been added to the list of his clients.

Coetzee is glad to be participating again:

“This year, I’m thrilled to take on a new challenge by creating the gowns for the opening sequence of Miss South Africa. It’s a role that allows me to infuse the event with a fresh perspective and I’ve poured my heart into ensuring that every detail reflects innovation and creativity. The live audience and viewers at home can expect an experience that’s completely different from what they’ve seen before. From the production elements to the garments themselves, we’re pushing the boundaries to bring a spectacle that is not just visually stunning but also deeply engaging. My goal is to captivate and entertain and to elevate the show to new heights by merging art with fashion. This year’s show is about redefining expectations and delivering a performance that resonates long after the final bow.”

“I am delighted that fashion meets technology in this year’s Miss South Africa pageant like never before. Every fabric has been meticulously created and printed in our studio, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. The 3D-printed elements you’ll see on all the gowns are a testament to our commitment to pushing the envelope and redefining what’s possible in fashion. Every piece was thoughtfully designed to highlight the unique personality of each contestant, ensuring that their individuality shines through.

“What makes these gowns truly special is the artistry that goes into every detail. The intricate beading, done in-house by our team of professional crafters, not only adds elegance but also embodies the spirit of South African craftsmanship. This collection is a celebration of our heritage, our creativity, and our future. By fusing tradition with technology, we’re not just creating fashion, we’re telling a story of innovation, pride, and empowerment. These gowns are more than just garments, they are a reflection of the strength and beauty of South Africa and its people. I hope that when the audience sees these creations, they feel the passion and dedication that went into making each piece, and are inspired to embrace their own creativity and dreams.”

Entrepreneur and owner of the Dream House brand and fashion label Malondié, Londeka Buthelezi-Ndaba also appeared on the Miss South Africa reality television series Crown Chasers as a celebrity judge. Founded in 2015 by Buthelezi-Ndaba, who completed her LLB so she could also work as a fashion lawyer, Malondié is a dynamic, award-winning womenswear label which featured last year at Cape Town Fashion Week with African Fashion International (AFI), followed by a second appearance at Johannesburg Fashion Week. Buthelezi-Ndaba has also garnered international recognition, shipping her creations from Botswana to the US and UK.

This is Buthelezi-Ndaba’s first time designing for a pageant and she says she has enjoyed the challenge immensely:

“When Werner (Miss South Africa creative director Werner Wessels) called me, it was a dream come true. I felt so proud of the work I have done in growing this brand. There was a time when this kind of recognition was only something I could dream of and was thrilled with the recognition. I am responsible for the resort and swimwear segment of the live show. I chose to stick with the Malondié brand’s DNA. Malondié is known for its bright resort wear every summer and I can’t wait to unveil some gorgeous designs on the Miss South Africa stage. We will bringing so much colour, beauty and excitement while taking everyone to an island destination.”

Lydia Mbayo, who will also be making her Miss South Africa pageant design debut, is the owner of La Jaqueta, a clothing line specialising in blazers, suits and similar attire. She will be creating garments for the “Power Suit” segment of the show.

“When I got the call up, I was very excited as it means the Miss South Africa Organisation has recognised my abilities and potential and allows me to be a part of a team of very talented designers. More especially, I was very excited because I travelled all the way to Greece to find the perfect fabrics for this project combining my love of travel with my work.

“The name of the collection is ‘Pastel Power’. As women we feel a sense of empowerment and confidence when wearing a powerful suit as a well-tailored outfit can evoke feelings of professionalism, competence and authority; it often boosts self-esteem, giving the wearer that boss lady vibe! A pastel coloured suit evokes feelings of freshness, calmness and approachability; you can look powerful but approachable adding a touch of elegance and charm to the overall look,” she reveals.

The 10 finalists are Kebalepile Ramafoko, Kirsten Khan, Layla Zoubair, Lebohang Khoza, Mia Le Roux, Nompumelelo Maduna, Onalenna Constantin, Ontshiametse Tlhopane, Palesa Lombard and Taahira Katz.

Discover who will be Miss South Africa 2024 and ultimately take the crown from the current incumbent Natasha Joubert. The Miss South Africa 2024 Red Carpet will be broadcast on S3 (formerly SABC 3) from 17h30 – 18h00, with the live Miss South Africa 2024 Finale following from 18h00 – 20h30. Don’t miss it; it is compulsive viewing.

The 2024 winner will be crowned at Sun International’s flagship venue, the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria on Saturday, August 10, in what promises to be a spectacular and entertainment-packed show that will, once again fittingly, take place during Women’s Month. VIP and general access tickets for the Miss South Africa Finale are available through Ticketpros.

Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International. SABC3 is the official broadcast partner.