Miss South Africa, Rolene Strauss, has made the country proud after she was crowned Miss World in London on Sunday, President Jacob Zuma said.
Rolene Strauss of South Africa is crowned Miss World 2014 at the ExCel Centre in east London, December 14, 2014. Picture Credit: Toby Melville/REUTERS
Picture Credit: Toby Melville/REUTERS
"We are very proud that our very own has earned this prestigious title after months of hard work and dedication.
"Ms Strauss has demonstrated the capability of South Africans to shine on the world stage," Zuma said in a statement.
"We are confident that she will fly the South African flag even higher as she performs her new responsibilities. On behalf of all South Africans, we extend our hearty congratulations [and] wish her the very best in this new role."
The University of Free State medical student beat out first princess Miss Hungary Edina Kulcsar and second princess Miss USA Elizabeth Safrit to bring the title home.
The last time a South African won the title was in 1974 when Anneline Kriel was crowned Miss World.
Lead SA said the 22-year-old made the nation proud.
"We are ending this year on a high note, as we bring the crown home after 40 years. Rolene is only the third South African to walk away as Miss World," said Lead SA.
"We have extraordinary talent and leadership in South Africa. Rolene has shown that beauty can have a significant purpose," Lead SA said.
Strauss is a true ambassador of South Africa and Mpumalanga, Anthony Benadie MPL and Democratic Alliance Mpumalanga leader said.
"Yielding from Volksrust in the Pixley ka Isaka Seme municipality, we are proud of her achievement," he said in a statement.
"Being crowned Miss World 2014, brings with it immense responsibility and we are confident that she will represent our country and province well."
Support for Strauss poured in on social media website Twitter.
Singer Lira wrote: "#MissSA2014 #RoleneStrauss just won #MissWorld2014. I am so PROUD of her!!"
University of Free State rector and Vice-Chancellor Jonathan Jansen tweeted: STOP CRYING! SO BLOODY PROUD OF MY STUDENT. THE UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE CELEBRATES TONIGHT! WELL DONE ROLENE. YOU LIFT US UP".
Meanwhile, the university posted on Facebook: "Miss World is a Kovsie! Congratulations to Rolene Strauss for conquering the world. You have made us so proud."
