Maps, Bridget Masinga to judge Miss SA

Miss South Africa has announced the appointment of  TV personality Maps Maponyane and radio presenter Bridget Masinga as new judges for the 2017 pageant. They form part of the panel for the regional judging which takes place around South Africa during the next six weeks and will see the inclusion of various guest judges at the different venues.

As one of the founding presenters on the hugely successful television magazine show All Access, Masinga has cemented her brand as one of South Africa’s leading entertainers. She is the new presenter and producer of Jacaranda FM’s weekday mid-morning show, The Workzone with Bridget Masinga.

Maps Maponyane is considered as one of SA’s most stylish and sexiest man, and is an admired media personality. Multi-talented as a TV presenter, model, actor, style icon, designer, businessman and philanthropist, he makes waves both locally and internationally. Maps is loved and followed by his fans on social media platforms because of his down-to-earth, professional yet warm personality.

“I think my journey with Miss South Africa, which began in 2002 when I was second runner-up, and then subsequently as one of the hosts on The Road to Miss South Africa, puts me in the perfect position to have intimate knowledge of the expectations versus the realities of the title,” Masinga said. “I have a solid grasp of what it takes to succeed across multiple platforms, and will be able to engage with the contestants from a position of familiarity of understanding their goals and dreams, ” she added.

Masinga says people must be able to relate to Miss SA. “It’s important to me that Miss South Africa is rooted in who she is, while still maintaining a connection with her peers.”

“Nothing beats being your authentic self; don’t try and emulate previous Miss South Africa title holders.  Figure out what makes you an individual and harness that quality to build something magical. Don’t be shy to stand tall in your light. I am hoping to meet truly dynamic young ladies who are out there doing great things,” she advised those wanting to wear the crown in 2017.

The Miss South Africa pageant, presented by Sun International in collaboration with Cell C, takes place at Sun City at the end of March next year. For the first time in the history of the pageant, the winner will receive R1 million in cash, as well as a car, an international holiday and other prizes in a package that exceeds R2 million. The finalists for 2017 will each receive a R25 000 cash prize.

Those who think they have what it takes can register online on the Miss South Africa website: http://www.misssa.co.za/. All entrants must attend a regional judging session at one of the following Sun International venues:

• July 16: Durban, Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom
• July 23: Brakpan, Carnival City Casino and Hotel
• July 30: Cape Town, Grand West Casino and Entertainment World
• August 6: Port Elizabeth, The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World
• August 13: Polokwane, Meropa Casino and Entertainment World
• August 20: Bloemfontein, Windmill Casino
• August 27: Johannesburg, The Maslow Hotel