South Africa’s shining star at the 72nd Miss World pageant, Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg, has already clinched a major victory, winning the coveted World Designer Award with a breathtaking gown celebrating the heart of the nation – the protea.
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The 18-year-old Miss World South Africa 2024 captivated judges and audiences alike during the prestigious Top Model competition segment. She graced the stage at Hyderabad’s Trident Hotel in an exquisite creation by renowned South African designer Juan William Aria.
The award-winning gown was far more than just stunning; it was a profound statement of SA’s identity.
Crafted from satin glass fabric, the dress featured intricate artwork and meticulously hand-embroidered motifs. Its crowning glory was the vibrant, blooming protea – South Africa’s national flower – prominently featured on both the bodice and the hem.
The winning design embodied the spirit of unity and humble strength that the protea symbolises.
“This gown is a celebration of who we are as a people—diverse, rooted, and proud,” an elated Zoalize expressed after her win, paying deep tribute to designer Juan William Aria.
The Miss World organisation swiftly shared images of Zoalize in the show-stopping dress on their official Instagram, lauding the achievement.
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Designer Juan William Aria responded with pride: “So honoured. Thank you Miss World and the incredible Zoalize for showcasing South Africa on the world stage with such elegance and class.”
This triumph comes just days before the grand finale on 31 May 2025, where Zoalize will compete for the ultimate Miss World crown.
Her journey has been marked by a profound sense of purpose, centred around her ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ project, focusing on empowering orphaned and vulnerable children through love, education, and life skills. She has also championed sustainability throughout her pageant preparations.
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Feature Image: Instagram / @missworld
