KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala, on behalf of the Provincial Government, congratulates Ms Lalela Mswane on her achievement after being crowned Miss South Africa 2021 earlier this evening.

Premier Zikalala said Mswane who hails from the KwaSokhulu area outside KwaMbonambi, northern KwaZulu-Natal, is an inspiration to many young women.

Premier Zikalala said Mswane’s achievement reignites hope for the youth and comes at a time when the provincial government is implementing strategies aimed at rebuilding the economy which is reeling from the devastating impact of Covid-19 and civil unrest.

“Halala Ntombi kaMswane on your magnificent achievement which fills all of us in KwaZulu-Natal with pride. We will support Ms Mswane’s endeavours to use the Miss South Africa platform to shine the spotlight on unemployment and poverty, especially among the youth and seek meaningful solutions towards its reduction. We are proud to have her as our ambassador and a leading force in the betterment of the lives of our people. She has not only put KwaZulu-Natal on the map, but she is an exemplary role-model who wants to be part of the solution to eradicate unemployment,” said Premier Zikalala.

Speaking during the final leg of the coveted competition Mswane said: “Mine is to focus on the unemployment and economic empowerment of youth at school level. Let us empower our youth to secure their own economic future,” said Mswane.

Premier Zikalala said the provincial government is proud of Ms Mswane’s achievement and confident that she will represent the province and country well during her reign as Miss South Africa 2021.