Dr Claude Mashego was crowned Miss World South Africa 2023 during the inaugural edition of the national pageant held on Saturday, October 28 at The South African State Theatre in Pretoria.
The 24-year-old medical doctor bested 11 other finalists to win the national title. She is now expected to represent South Africa at the 71st Miss World competition.
Alyssa Joan Smith and Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg were named the first and second runners-up, respectively, while Motheo Mokoto and Asande Mchunu rounded out the Top 5 finalists.
Reigning Miss World Karolina Bielawska from Poland graced the event with the chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organization Julia Morley.
Former South African Miss World Rolene Strauss was also present as one of the distinguished judges.
The new Miss World South Africa hails from Acornhoek, Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga. She holds a degree in medicine and surgery from the University of Pretoria.
Claude founded her nonprofit Young Leaders Network to advocate for youth development, leadership, and entrepreneurship by bringing together young people from different fields of expertise.