The official Miss South Africa Twitter page, announced on Wednesday, that Sasha-lee Laurel Olivier has officially been crowned as Miss South Africa.
Hailing from Alberton, Johannesburg, 27-year-old Sasha-Lee was the runner up in the Miss South Africa pageant that took place in August 2019. She gained the title after former Miss SA, Zozibini Tunzi, was crowned Miss Universe last month.
According to News24, Sasha said: “I am so happy for Zozi who deserves, in every way, to wear the Miss Universe sash. I wish her every success. I step into big shoes and I just want Zozi to know that I will do my best to fill them.”
According to the Miss SA website, Sasha-lee was a victim of sexual abuse between the ages of 7 and 11. She said: “It is why I have chosen to emotionally support those people who have survived rape and sexual assault through my #itsnotyourfault campaign.” With her campaign, Sasha-Lee wishes to stand up for those who are vulnerable and show them love and support when they need it the most.
A thumbs up from Miss Universe
In response to the news, Zozi said: “I cannot think of anyone who is more suitable to be Miss South Africa. Sasha has it all: beauty, brains and, above all, a commitment to help others. I have no doubt that she will use her reign to help improve the lot of those in need,”
Apart from being a model, Sasha is also an entrepreneur and student. She is doing a double major in Marketing and Psychology at Wits University. With role models such as Vusi Thembekwayo, Ashley Graham and Oprah Winfrey, she is passionate about inclusivity, social development, and equal representation.