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Limpopo native Ndavi Nokeri participated in the Miss Universe competition this weekend. Since our beloved former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi won in 2019, Nokeri took the pageant stage expecting to win again.
She competed for Miss Universe with confidence and a smile after winning Miss Ben Vorster High School in 2016, Miss Jozi in 2019, and Miss South Africa in August 2018.
Unfortunately, Nokeri only made it to the top 16 in the Miss Universe pageant that was held in New Orleans in the USA. South Africa is clearly very confused by the ruling, as Twitter users went on a rampage questioning what might have set Nokeri back.
Some Twitter users were quick to call out Nokeri’s hair, trolling the hairstylist who they said ruined her chances of ever winning the crown.
It's the hair, I swear it is😔#MissSouthAfrica
— Ntombikayise❤️ (@NtombiTurquoise) January 15, 2023
Miss South Africa #MissUniverse2022 organisation must stop with the Afro vibes. It can’t ALWAYS win on this global stage. Let’s be honest the RED pattern dress and afro bulky hair was not cute. It just did not compete with the glam on stage. Ndavi ☹️ #MissSouthAfrica
— malizole mnqwazi – majwede (@MajwedeMnqwazi) January 15, 2023
Someone did #MissSouthAfrica dirty. Why did they allow her to compete with that hair 😭😭😭. Does she not have a stylist? #MissUniverse2022
— NoName Brand (@DreamerSib) January 15, 2023
Others defended her honour, however, saying she did her best and made South Africa proud after placing in the top 16 of the competition with 84 other countries.
Please hush. #MissSouthAfrica looked absolutely stunning with her big beautiful hair on that stage. Everything about her look screamed GLAM. That top 5 is dry and white washed AF.
— BrooklynBounce_654 (@BKBounce718) January 15, 2023
Ndavi Nokeri looked absolutely amazing on the Miss Universe stage. One thing about South Africa 🇿🇦 we are known for our couture gowns, natural and incredibly well spoken queens. So, proud 👑🇿🇦 #MissUniverse #MissUniverse2022 #MissSouthAfrica #NdaviNokeri #71stMissUniverse #MissSA pic.twitter.com/PgjFgzEMmh
— Miss Universe South Africa (@missuniverseza) January 15, 2023
Nokeri dazzled on stage with a big loosely curled afro hairstyle that many noted was a big difference in comparison to former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, who won the crown with a short afro fade in 2019. That was history-defining, not only for South Africa but also for the rest of the world.
Despite the backlash, Nokeri took her loss with grace, and in a statement congratulated the new Miss Universe, R’Bonney Gabriel, who hails from the USA.
She said:
I would like to congratulate R’Bonney who is a worthy winner. I want to thank everyone for their wonderful support, and I am proud of what I have accomplished.
“I know that I gave it my all and the Miss Universe experience will be something I will never forget.
“Obviously, I would have liked to go further, but I am delighted to have made it into the top 16 of the competition. The whole experience has been beyond my wildest expectations, and it has been a true journey of the sisterhood,” she added.
Upon her arrival back in South Africa, Nokeri will continue her reign as Miss South Africa and continue her work with Ed-Unite, an organisation started by Nokeri in October 2022 that advocates for equal education and opportunities.