The Miss South Africa semi-finalists have been revealed by Sun International, as well as the star-studded panel of judges for the new look 2014 Miss SA competition.
Cell C was also announced as the new headline sponsor for the pageant, in line with their ‘Believe Manifesto’ and ongoing strategy to empower women.
Of the 33 semi-finalists who will be vying for the 2014 crown, KwaZulu-Natal has 5 contenders: Delisha Chetty, Julia Petersen, Nomhle Mtshali, Sihle Makhanya and Ziyanda Msomi.
The 2014 judges include radio and TV personality, Anele Mdoda; international DJ and recording artist Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumelo, better known to his fans as Black Coffee; and magazine editor and style icon, Pnina Fenster.
Regarded as leaders and trend-setters in their respective fields, they will be judging contestants on intelligence, leadership, talent, physical fitness and a dedication to community service.
The 12 finalists will be revealed on Sunday 2 February on Mzansi Magic (DSTV Channel 161) as part of the Miss South Africa reality show which debuts on the channel on 26 January 2014. 
Pnina Fenster is delighted in her new role: “It’s an honour to be involved in an event that has such a long and illustrious history – the Miss South Africa pageant has inspired and delighted South Africans for decades and it continues to do so. It’s glamorous, it’s stylish, it involves meaningful charity work and it’s fun. What’s not to love about that?”
The changes to the Miss SA Pageant are all part of a concerted drive by Sun International to grow the Miss South Africa brand and make it relevant for today’s young generation.
Part of the extensive revamp is that the new Miss South Africa will be crowned in March 2014, instead of December, which means that unlike previous years, she will get to reign in the year of her appointment.
For more information, visit www.misssa.co.za or www.suninternational.com.