‘Racism is abhorrent and demeaning’: Miss World SA responds to racism claims

As an alleged racist storm brews around Miss World SA vice president Carolyn Botha, the pageant said it hopes her “assertions about the ill intent of the accusations are proven true”.

The Citizen reported on a voice clip of a woman, claimed to be Botha, making racist remarks about shoppers at a mall. The clip was shared on Twitter by Azapo deputy president, Kekeletso Khena.

Miss World SA responds

In response to backlash over the clip, Miss World SA shared a statement with The Citizen saying they have noted with concern the allegations of racism levelled against Botha.

“Racism is abhorrent, demeaning, and unacceptable; importantly it is illegal. It is our hope Ms Botha’s assertions about the ill intent of the accusations are proven true. While Ms Botha works to clear her name, our focus must be on the work at hand and on the welfare of the young ladies who have placed their trust in us to protect them from bullying, discrimination and, of course, the criminal act of racism with which South Africa continues to grapple with,” the statement read.

The organisation asked to be given space to deal with the matter legally and “to aide our ability to focus on the reason we exist, which is the empowerment of exemplary young women through this meaningful pageant whose focus is charitable endeavours and beauty with a purpose”.

Death threats

Botha told The Citizen the voice clip was AI generated and claimed to have received a number of threats, including from Khena. She has since opened a case against Khena at the Benoni Police Station.

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed Botha opened a case of intimidation against Khena at Benoni on Friday, 21 July 2023. He said an investigation is underway and no arrests have been made yet.

ALSO SEE: LISTEN: Miss World SA vice president Carolyn Botha caught up in racist row

‘Carolyn Botha is racist and arrogant’

Khena told The Citizen she does not have a problem with Botha at all, apart from her racist behaviour. She claimed Botha is “racist and arrogant, and should not be in a position of power”.

She too has opened a case against Botha at the Benoni Police Station.

Brigadier Mathe confirmed Khena opened a case of defamation of character on Friday, 21 July 2023, also at the Benoni Police Station.

He said the case has been transferred to the Krugersdorp Police Station, where it will be investigated.

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