Las Vegas, USA – South African model Tshego Gaelae has been crowned the winner of the 40th Mrs World pageant, held in Las Vegas, USA. The prestigious competition, which celebrates married women, saw Sri Lanka’s Ishadi Amanda named first runner-up, while Thailand’s Ploy Panperm secured the second runner-up position.
Gaelae, who hails from Soweto, South Africa, took to Instagram to express her joy and gratitude following her victory.
“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,” she wrote.
The Mrs World pageant, founded in 1984, is the first international beauty contest dedicated exclusively to married women.
Historic Win for South Africa
The Mrs South Africa organization, which supported Gaelae throughout her journey, celebrated the milestone, calling it a significant moment in the country’s pageant history.
“From Soweto to Vegas and now the world! The crown is coming home! Thank you to everyone who supported our Queen on her incredible journey. What an honor to have a South African queen as the 40th Anniversary Mrs World, and the first-ever Black Mrs World,” the organization stated on social media.
Gaelae’s triumph marks another significant achievement for South Africa on the global beauty pageant stage, further intensifying the ongoing rivalry between South Africa and Nigeria in international competitions.
Growing Pageant Competition Between South Africa and Nigeria
Her victory follows Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina’s historic performance at the Miss Universe 2024 competition in November, where she became the first Nigerian and West African to finish as first runner-up. Adetshina, who was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, had previously faced controversy over her dual citizenship, leading to her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa pageant before eventually winning Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.
The increasing success of both nations in global beauty contests has fueled discussions on their growing dominance in international pageantry, with fans celebrating the achievements of African queens on the world stage.
Gaelae’s win as Mrs World 2024 is expected to further elevate South Africa’s reputation in the industry while inspiring future contestants across the continent.