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The search FOR ISLAND BABES

Patience Bambalele

Patience Bambalele

The beauty pageant that seeks girls who have that natural island beauty is back .

Formerly known as Miss Tropika, it is now called Miss Tropika Island Babes.

In 2008 things changed when the tender was won by black-owned company Masia Sound Productions.

Pageant organiser Isaac Masia says beauties must have brains too. He says they are looking for contestants who have a positive, healthy and outgoing personality.

"We are looking for that unique person who will also be a brand ambassador. We are looking for someone with that tropical look combined with sexiness," he says.

The contest has been running for a decade in Free State, Eastern Cape and Western Cape.

Masia says: "Preference was given to Eastern Cape and Western Cape in order to further enhance the brand positioning in those regions as they are competitor strongholds.

"We hold the pageant in the peak season of December 1 to mid March to capitalise on the holiday crowds at the beaches," he adds.

The search for the beauties started in September last year , when regional auditions were held in all provinces.

The winner will walk away with a car, a holiday, a year's contract to advertise for Tropika, cash, Tropika, sub-sponsors and Masia Sound hampers.

The top three contestants automatically qualify for the Miss South Africa semi-finals.

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