Luzuko Pongoma

Luzuko Pongoma

The economic crunch has upset Mrs South Africa, a beauty pageant for married women.

"We have been forced to put the competition on hold after our sponsor pulled out because of the economic situation," said Chanel Holliday yesterday.

The pageant was supposed to be held at the Emperors Palace on Saturday night.

Holliday said the event, billed as the most glamorous for the country's married women, had not been cancelled but postponed.

"The main cash sponsor withdrew on Monday," she said.

She said the pageant would be held at a later date with the same 23 finalists.

Holliday said nothing else had changed and the organisers would still cover the travelling costs of the finalists to be flown in from other provinces.

But the finalists are unfazed by the delay and see it as a blessing in disguise.

Jessie Jele-Molalugi said: "I take this in a positive manner. Now I will have more time to develop myself further so that I can win the pageant," she said.

She said the postponement would allow her more time to continue her modelling classes and going to the gym.

Phumi Mashigo said it was good that the pageant was postponed if people's jobs could be saved, instead of spending the money crowning her as the winner.

"I am happy to wait. As a mother it is important for me that jobs are saved and families live a happy life," she said.

She added that she would spend more time at the gym.