North-West University (NWU) student Rahama Metroll Milanzi has been selected as a semi-finalist for Miss World South Africa 2024. If she wins the title, she will represent South Africa in the global Miss World 2024 pageant, competing against more than 100 contestants from around the world.

Miss World South Africa, organised by Carol Bouwer Productions, aims to find a young woman from one of South Africa's nine provinces who embodies the "Beauty with a Purpose" values. The winner will have the chance to compete on the global stage and potentially bring home the prestigious Miss World crown.

Participants in Miss World South Africa, aged 17 to 27, are seen as symbols of empowerment – combining intellect, awareness, and a keen focus on world events. They support impactful causes aligned with the Miss World values.

Rahama, who hails from Hazyview in Mpumalanga, is currently Miss Mahikeng and a master's student at the NWU. She is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and education through her initiative, "Take Over Legacy," which reflects her commitment to transformative change.

“My project encompasses eight pillars: civil engagement, self-esteem, youth empowerment, donations, skills development, leadership initiatives, support for the disabled and elderly, and sexual reproductive health. Dubbed the Circle of Hope, these pillars aim to equip young people and children with the necessary resources, promoting a legacy of kindness, compassion and generosity,” she says.

Rahama says she is inspired by the bottom-up strategy founded by psychologist James Gibson in 1996.

“My approach emphasises the importance of understanding community needs before implementing solutions. The project also addresses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and is aligned with South Africa's National Youth Policy 2020-2030, which aims to foster positive youth development,” she adds.

South Africa has seen three of its representatives win the Miss World title: Penelope Coelen (1958), Anneline Kriel (1974), and Rolene Strauss (2014).

Dr Claude Mashego, the reigning Miss World South Africa, will pass on the crown to the next winner, who will carry the nation's hopes to the Miss World stage.

Rahama Metroll Milanzi has been selected as a semi-finalist for Miss World South Africa 2024.