INANDA Seminary in the north of Durban was awash with beautiful women yesterday.

All 120 finalists of this year's Miss World beauty pageant made a ground-breaking visit to the seminary - and locals were there to welcome them. Women ululated while men stood in awe of the world's beauties.

The visit was part of a bid to showcase Inanda as a tourism destination with a significant rich history.

This is where ANC founder John Dube was born, and the Mahatma Ghandi settlement still stands. It is the spiritual home of the Shembe Church, while former president Nelson Mandela cast his first vote in 1994 here.

The acting head of Durban Tourism, Phillip Sithole, said: "Showcasing the Inanda Trail is part of our deep commitment to market all of our assets and to ensure that developmental tourism is given the priority it deserves.

"We are pleased to put the beauty of Inanda on the world stage along with some of the world's most attractive women, and we are sure, knowing their commitment to social issues, that they will find this a rewarding visit."

Miss Australia Sophie Lavers was visibly touched by the warm welcome. As she walked about and greeted cheerful pupils and a few adults who had gathered, she said: "Thank you for such a lovely welcome."

Current Miss World Ksenia Sukhinova, who is from Russia, described her visit to South Africa as the highlight of her career. "I have been to so many countries, but the highlight for me has been coming to South Africa. I am happy to be in Durban."

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for economic development and tourism Mike Mabuyakhulu said the province was honoured to host them. "It is not everyday that one basks in the presence of so many world beauties.

"This is a special day. We could not have chosen any other site that depicts the history of this province and country for the occasion," said Mabuyakhulu.