Lalela Mswane has made history as the first Black woman to win Miss Supranational. She is now a two-time international title winner within the pageant world, having been crowned Miss South Africa in 2021 and now earning the crown and title of Miss Supranational for 2022.
“I am the first black woman to have won the title – what a time to be alive. It’s been a big week for women following the Banyana Banyana win and return home. I am filled with national pride,” – Lalela Mswane
25-year-old Mswane was born in Richards Bay, in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Her father, Muntu Mswane, was an Eswatini-born former diplomat and minister who died in 2010, while her mother, Hleliselwe, worked as an accounts clerk and homemaker. She is the youngest of three children, having an elder brother and sister. After completing her secondary education at Pro Arte Alphen Park in 2015, Mswane enrolled in the University of Pretoria, later graduating with a Bachelor of Laws degree.
Miss Supranational was established in 2009 and has become a highlight on the pageant calendar. Last year was the first time South Africa took part in the event. Thato Mosehle earned second place in the event, with neighbouring Namibia’s Chanique Rabe earning the crown.
The pageant started on the 15th of July 2022. Mswane is now the first South African to have earned the title of Miss Supranational. Take a look at the winning moment below.
At a press conference, Lalela reiterated that her win was not only for herself but for South Africa as a whole. She reaffirmed her commitment to working harder than ever on her projects, which will be focusing on issues surrounding unemployment.
With the full support of the Miss Supranational Organization, she will also start addressing the issue of cyberbullying which is something that is affecting many people the world over.
Lalela bested 68 other contestants to win her country’s first-ever Miss Supranational in a glittering competition held at the Strzelecki Park Amphitheatre in Nowy Sącz, Małopolska, Poland on July 15. She is also the first woman of colour to win the beauty title.
