Miss SA (Glamfuel)
The South African government has withdrawn its support for the Miss South Africa pageant as the furore over Miss SA’s involvement at the Miss Universe pageant in Israel continues.
The Minister of Sport, Art, and Culture, Nathi Mthetwa, made the announcement in a statement on Sunday, saying the government’s withdrawal of its support was due to the Miss SA pageant’s “intransigence and disregard of advice” against taking part in the Miss Universe next month.
He said after “unsuccessful consultations” initiated by the Ministry of Sport, Arts, and Culture, it has proven difficult to persuade the Miss SA pageant organisers to reconsider their decision.
“What during initial consultations appeared like engaging, constructive and progressive discussions, was later met with an unpleasant demeanour that is intransigent and lacking appreciation of the potential negative impact of such a decision on the reputation and future of a young black woman,” he said.
“The atrocities committed by Israel against Palestinians are well documented and Government, as the legitimate representative of the people of South Africa, cannot in good conscience associate itself with such,” Mthetwa added.
He said while “appreciative of the likely impact on the individual interest of the current Miss South Africa,” he said he “strongly believes that reasons that require withdrawal far outweigh individual interests.”
“If anything, by withdrawing, Miss South Africa’s reputation and overall standing will be far more advanced in South Africa and internationally in comparison to a once-off event that can prove disastrous to her future and public standing as a young, black woman,” explained Mthethwa.
