By Kaya 959 Entertainment
Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane is all smiles in Israel despite controversy over her decision to participate in the Miss Universe pageant.
Rehearsals are currently underway for the ceremony which takes place in Eilat on Sunday, December 12 (Monday, December 13 in SA).
Lalela has already taken part in her preliminary interviews. The Richards Bay beauty will also be putting her best foot forward at the National Costume Show & Preliminary Competition on Friday night.
South Africans can watch Lalela strut her stuff live on the Miss Universe YouTube channel.
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Jerusalem’s deputy mayor, Fleur Hassan-Nahoumm, met with the Miss Universe contestants. She was pictured embracing Lalela. According to local reports, she thanked Lalela for speaking her truth and showing courage.
Mandla Mandela and Pro-Palestine organisations urged her not to attend. The South African government also withdrew its support for Miss SA.
אני נרגשת שהצלחנו להראות לנשים הצעירות מ"מיס יוניברס" את המיטב של ירושלים. אני עצמי מחשיבה את "הבוידעם" כחלק אינטגרלי מסצנת העסקים החברתית של ירושלים, ואני שמחה שעולמות היופי והאופנה התחברו גם לעשייה החברתית. המתמודדות ממש התלהבו מהבגדים ומהסיפור מאחוריהם https://t.co/6DVz5kmZqr pic.twitter.com/tRC3wWp3ut
— פלר חסן נחום Fleur Hassan-Nahoum (@FleurHassanN) December 2, 2021
Lalela hopes to do South Africa proud, and come home with the crown.
“We are one step closer to the Miss Universe finale night!” she wrote on Instagram.
Here’s a look at Lalela’s Miss Universe fashion diary.
“The One”
Miss Universe South Africa 2020 Natasha Joubert was supposed to wear this outfit when she competed in the pageant earlier this year. Lalela wore the outfit for her preliminary interview on Wednesday night.
“Felt absolutely gorgeous in this outfit by @nataliajefferys for my interview last night. Fun fact: @natasha_joubert was supposed to wear this outfit when she contended for Miss Universe and when I saw it I knew I had found “the one” for my interview!” she wrote about the outfit she wore on Wednesday night,” Lalela wrote.
Coral Beach beauty
“Seas the Day! Had my first outing in Eilat today. Spent the morning at Coral Beach and it was a much-needed escape!” Lalela captioned this look.
House of Fabrosanz for dinner
Lalela showed off this House of Fabrosanz outfit during a dinner on day six. Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi also wore the dress.
Exploring the streets of Israel
Lalela was “super excited” to explore the streets of Israel in this casual-chic look.
Powerful and pretty
The 24-year-old says she felt “powerful and pretty” in this stylish OPARI jacket.
Stylish in denim
“We’re on our way to Eilat!!! First stop, Carmei Ovdat!”



