On Saturday 9 September, Sandton’s Southern Sun played host to the prestigious Miss Earth South Africa 2023 winner’s announcement gala dinner.
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Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, the event saw finalists from across the nation coming together, alongside esteemed judges, Zizo Tshwete, JJ Tabane, Abigail Visagie, Leanne Manas to mark the occasion.
Amidst a gathering of environmental advocates, community service enthusiasts, and green champions, the highlight of the evening was the announcement of the 2023 winner.
Zabelo Hlabisa, hailing from uMhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal, emerged victorious, with her unwavering dedication to environmental causes. Zabelo, SA’s new green queen, is a social entrepreneur, event planner and digital content creator.
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Zabelo Hlabisa is joined by three remarkable runners-up who will collaborate with her in the coming year to further the mission of environmental education, awareness, and community programmes.
The 1st runner-up is Belinde Schreuder from Centurion in Pretoria, whose objective is to promote tree plantings, conservation and clean air policies.
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Duduzile Mbobo and Zama Mbatha are the 2nd and 3rd runners-up respectively.
Not only was 2023’s Miss Earth SA event about celebrating new titleholders, but it also commemorated a significant milestone for the Miss Earth South Africa Leadership Programme.
In its 20 years of activism and service across South Africa, the organisation has made an indelible mark in promoting environmental consciousness, community service, and a greener nation; these being values which are aligned with those of the official home of the Miss Earth South Africa of 10 years, Southern Sun.
Taking to Instagram to share the news of her crowning as SA’s Miss Earth 2023, Zabelo writes:
“Guys please tell me I’m dreaming. Am I even supposed to say something at this point? If YES ,what do I say?”
“I’m still thinking of a great caption 😭🥹🇿🇦. @missearth_sa”
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Feature Image: Instagram / @zabeloh_hlabisa
