Medical student Tamaryn Green is the new Miss South Africa 2018

The runner-up, 26-year-old BComm graduate Thulisa Keyi from East London took the title of Miss World South Africa and will represent South Africa on the global stage in the competition later this year. She will receive nearly R600,000 in prizes.

Thulisa Keyi - Miss World South Africa, Tamaryn Green - Miss South Africa 2018

An excited and overwhelmed Green said she was determined to make a difference during her reign. “I promise to build on the legacy of all former Miss South Africa title holders and to represent my country with elegance, style, beauty, and unwavering commitment. Miss South Africa is so much more than just a competition. It is a calling, an opportunity to give back to the country that has richly provided so much to me so far,” she said in her acceptance speech.

“As Miss South Africa, I will be in a strong position to assist with the reconstruction of a better South Africa. I have always been passionate about making a positive and progressive difference in the lives of others. I grew up being exposed to two very different worlds: That of the fortunate and less fortunate. I want to assist in bringing those worlds together. I believe this can be done by providing equal education to all. Actions speak louder than words. I want to be a voice to those who cannot be heard, a servant and role model to South Africans and to the people of the world at large,” she continued.

The event was attended by nearly 40 former Miss South Africa titleholders including Miss Worlds Penny Rey Coelen (1958), Anneline Kriel Bacon (1974), and Rolene Strauss (2014). Also in attendance were former Miss Universe Margaret Gardiner (1978) and the reigning Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters. There was also Basetsana Makgalamele Kumalo (1994), Kerishnie Naiker (1997), and Bokang Montjane Tshabalala (2010).

On behalf of the Miss South Africa Organisation, Gareth Flusk from Sun International said: “Tamaryn joins an exceptional group of women, many of whom have remained household names since they won the competition, and who continue to play an important role in South African society.”

We've watched the crowning a few times already, and we still get emotional! Relive the moment and the feel the magic when @TamarynGreen was crowned #MissSA2018 �� pic.twitter.com/7h0WRXezKv

— Miss South Africa (@Official_MissSA) May 28, 2018

The Miss South Africa 2018 selection panel consisted of queen of SA talk and radio jock Anele Mdoda; entrepreneur and television presenter Janez Vermeiren; businesswoman and media mogul Khanyi Dhlomo; marketing personality Khaya Dlanga; award-winning magazine editor Michelle van Breda; Miss World 2014 Dr Rolene Strauss, and celebrity chef and TV personality Siba Mtongana.