By Linda Ximba
Ndavi Nokeri can stroll her way to the semifinals provided South African fans vote for her on the Miss Universe website.
On the official MissSA Twitter page a statement was posted this week urging locals to root for her as she goes up against the world’s best.
“In less than a month a new Miss Universe will be crowned. Let’s raise the South African flag higher with Ndavi Nokeri by securing her spot in the semi-finals,” the post read.
The cheapest vote (three votes) will cost you R17, while the most expensive vote will see you parting with just over R3,400 (for 1,000 votes).
The 71st Miss Universe pageant takes place in New Orleans in the US on Sunday and will be broadcast live on 1 Magic (DStv 103) at 3am on Monday.
Judging by social media polls, the reigning Miss SA is the favourite to clinch the crown. If she pulls it off she will become the fourth South African princess to achieve this incredible feat.
Margaret Gardiner led the way in 1978 and was followed by Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters in 2017 and Zozibini Tunzi in 2019.
Harnaaz Sandhu of India will crown her successor at the end of the event.
Since landing in New York last week, the Limpopo-born Nokeri, who has a BCom Investment Management degree from the University of Pretoria, has proudly been showing off her beauty in iconic places such as Times Square.
One of her costumes is designed by Sello Medupe of Scalo Designs and inspired by her Tsonga culture.
Updating her fans on social media, Nokeri revealed she is sharing a room with fellow African queen, Miss Namibia, Cassias Harpley. She added she received tips and invaluable advice from Zozibini Tunzi.
“I appreciate the wonderful support from all South Africans. When I walk onto the Miss Universe stage I will give it my all, just as I did when I entered the Miss South Africa pageant,” she wrote.
Among people accompanying her are her parents Moses and Betty Nokeri. Contestants from 84 countries will face off in the competition.
Pictured above: Ndavi Nokeri
Image source: Sowetan
