South African Model, Tshego Gaelae, has made history as the first Black Mrs. World at the 40th Mrs. World Pageant in Las Vegas, USA.
The 40th Mrs. World pageant took place on January 29–30, 2025.
Sri Lanka’s Ishadi Amanda was named the first runner-up, while Thailand’s Ploy Panperm secured the second runner-up position.
Celebrating her win, Gaelae expressed her gratitude in an Instagram post, writing, “To God Be The Glory. Thank you so much for the love and support, I am beyond grateful and elated! My beautiful South Africa, the crown is coming Home.”
The organisation that supported her journey, Mrs South Africa, also hailed the achievement in a social media post, stating, “From Soweto to Vegas and now the World, @mrsworldpageant The Crown is Coming Home! Thank you to everyone who supported our Queen on her incredible Journey.
“Thank you to the @mrsworldpageant organisation and judges for everything you do, and for seeing our queen and her brilliance. What an honour to have a South African queen as the 40th Anniversary Mrs World, and first ever Black Mrs World.”
The Mrs. World pageant, established in 1984 as the first beauty contest for married women, has evolved into a prestigious platform celebrating the beauty, intelligence, and accomplishments of married women worldwide.
In 2024, Nigerian beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina made history as the first Nigerian and West African to finish as the first runner-up at the Miss Universe 2024 competition held in Mexico City in November.
Adetshina, who also won the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, faced scrutiny over her South African citizenship, a controversy that led to her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa pageant.
She was subsequently invited to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, which she won. This situation fueled discussions over the growing competition between both nations.
The rivalry between South Africa and Nigeria in beauty pageants reflects broader cultural and nationalistic sentiments. Both countries have rich histories and diverse cultures, and their representatives in international pageants often become symbols of national pride.
The successes and controversies surrounding figures like Gaelae and Adetshina highlight the complex interplay of identity, nationality, and representation in the world of beauty pageants.
In conclusion, Tshego Gaelae’s crowning as Mrs. World is a landmark achievement that transcends personal victory, it symbolises a significant moment for South Africa on the global stage.
Her win, alongside the recent accomplishments of Nigerian beauty queens, underscores the dynamic and evolving landscape of international beauty pageants, where issues of representation, identity, and national pride continue to play pivotal roles.
