Lowveld beauties fly SA’s flag high
Chriské Schwirzer was one of the youngest contestants at Miss Tourism World.
Chriské Schwirzer, a matric learner of Curro Nelspruit, competed in Miss Tourism World in Changsha City, China on October 3, where she was crowned second runner-up.
ALSO READ: SA teen beauty competing in pageant in China
One of the youngest contestants in this year’s competition, Schwirzer represented South Africa among 70 other countries.
“Representing my country has been the greatest honour, and to return home with a crown makes me so happy,” Chriské shared.
On her final night she donned a beautiful golden gown designed locally by Ronell Joubert.
“This was originally going to be my matric farewell dress, but because the competition took place on my matric farewell day, we decided to use it for the final,” Chriské said.
She expressed her gratitude to each person who supported her during her pageant journey.
Candice Williams, the former Mrs Mpumalanga Lowveld and current Mrs Universe SA, is presently competing in the Mrs Universe competition in Manila. This is the biggest pageant in the world for married women and a total of 130 delegates entered this year’s competition.
ALSO READ: GALLERY: Penryn pageant prepares contestants to face life’s challenges
Williams said she entered the competition to have fun and share her story to give hope.
“I am an infertility survivor. My son was conceived through IVF after experiencing six heartbreaking losses.”
Despite the excitement to represent her country, Williams shared that the food in the Philippines has been a struggle for her since they only eat rice, potatoes and vegetables, and no meat. She laughingly shared that she went to McDonald’s on the fifth day to eat chicken nuggets to get some protein.
“My husband also packed biltong and droëwors in my suitcase which has helped a lot,” she said.
Her beautiful evening gowns were created by local designers, Jacques Lombard and Jessy Mdebele. Lombard also designed a special national costume that was inspired by two of SA’s greatest treasures, diamonds and zebras, as a proud symbol of unity and balance.
Although Williams did not bring a crown home she was at the grand finalé on October 8 and wore a beautiful golden dress designed by Mdebele.
