Although South Africa [Big4 Rank # 15] is ranked 16th based on the number points gained this year, the country actually experienced a rather better finish than expected. When Liesl Laurie was crowned as Miss South Africa, the general observation is that she may not fare well if she will be sent to Miss Universe.
In turns out the Miss South Africa knows how to play their cards properly. Liesl was sent to Miss World where she did well by placing at the Top 10. Since Miss World and Miss Universe finals were more than just a day apart, Refilwe Mthimunye, the first runner up was sent to Miss Universe.
Last year’s first runner-up, Ziphozakhe Zokufa was also sent to Miss Universe since Rolene Strauss won the Miss World crown. Zipho however failed to be in the semis. Basing from that, not so many pageant experts focused on Refilwe. Many thought she will end up having the same fate as Zipho.
However, Refilwe proved everyone wrong. She placed as one of the Top 15 ending the 2-year mini drought for South Africa at Miss Universe. This is indeed a welcome news for South Africa.
Meanwhile at Miss Earth, Carla Viktor may have failed to be in the semis but she represented South Africa well. At Miss International, the country is absent. Thus, in overall, South Africa may not have the same victory that it had last year but it did pretty well than expected at Big4 pageants.
