By Tamlyn Canham
Khaya Dlanga is sharing his views on the drama surrounding Miss SA Lalela Mswane‘s participation in the Miss Universe pageant.
The pageant is taking place in Israel in December. Many, including Mandla Mandela, have urged Miss SA officials to boycott the ceremony.
The South African government recently withdrew support for the Miss SA pageant over the matter. Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, says the “atrocities” committed by Israel against Palestinians cannot be ignored.
Khaya says “the SA government crossed the line by issuing a statement withdrawing its support”.
He says they have put Lalela in an “impossible position”.
“This government has not imposed sanctions against Israel nor travel restrictions. Instead, they are grandstanding on the shoulders of a young girl. Why throw her under the bus when they have not made meaningful commitments? Let her go,” he wrote on his Instagram Stories.
Miss SA official refuse to budge
Despite growing calls for Lalela to pull out of the pageant, The Miss South Africa Organisation refuses to be drawn into politics.
CEO Stephanie Weil says Miss SA is not a political organisation.
“Anyone who wants to rob Lalela of her moment in the spotlight is unkind and short-sighted. She is the shining beacon for young women everywhere, showing them that being beautiful while being clever and educated is very possible.”
Meanwhile, Miss SA has turned off her comments section on Instagram after receiving hate messages.
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