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Growing up, the Miss South Africa pageant was one of the highlights of the year. Sure, every little girl looks at the pretty young ladies and think they look so glamorous in their swimsuits, and downright regal in their fancy gowns. It was also a night of mother-daughter bonding over pizza (and later wine), judging the contestants on their hair, their answers, and yes, their gowns.

The winner of Miss SA is more than just a beauty queen – she is a woman who has her own goals and views of her role within society. She will be involved in promotional work and celebrity appearances, travel locally and abroad, meet dignitaries, celebrities, the privileged, the underprivileged, the sick and the needy. She needs to be more than just a pretty face.

Caylene Marais. Gown designed by David Tlale. Photo by Kevin Mark Pass.

The annual Miss SA pageant started in 1956, and the winner will go on to represent the country at the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants. In 1958 Penelope Anne Coelen (better known as Penny Coelen, and the Penny C from the clothing range) was crowned Miss World, and in 1978 Margaret Gardiner won the Miss Universe title.

Another fascinating aspect of the pageant is the glitzy venue, and thanks to social media, we can feel like part of the behind-the-scenes crowd.

Sun International is the license holder of both Miss South Africa and Miss SA Teen. Their focus and commitment is to the empowerment of women, and their involvement extends to Miss South Africa’s support of Sun International’s chosen charities.​​

This year the Miss SA pageant will once again take place at the sensational Sun City on 30 March. View the finalists and watch “The road to Miss SA” for a glimpse of what to expect.