Krugersdorp model crowned Miss Chinese Cosmos

Kelly Murphy from Figures Models in Krugersdorp recently became the first model in Africa to win the Miss Chinese Cosmos title.

Although unknown in South Africa, the pageant enjoys great prestige in China and in the regions where the Chinese diaspora has fanned out, including South-East Asia, the Middle East, the Americas and Australia. It’s the only beauty pageant that takes place in China every year.

This year was the first time pageant organisers have cast their gaze on Africa and local organisers have managed to coax just 20 girls to enter.

South African organisers had to ask for five centimetres to be knocked off the 1,7m height requirement or they would have found even fewer contestants.

Kelly walks away with R100 000, a trip to China to represent the region and the title as Africa’s first Miss Chinese Cosmos.

Kelly, who describes herself as only partly Chinese, was concerned that her mixed DNA would affect her chance at scoring a win.

“I did think that not being Chinese would be a disadvantage; but I never thought I would win,” she says.

“I’m definitely going to have to brush up on some Mandarin before I go to China,” says Kelly, flashing a perfect smile.

“I have the feeling that this is just the beginning of the journey for me,” she says.

Louren Choudree from Figures Models says she is extremely proud of the young model and that she sees a bright future for her.