MISS WORLD NEWS / Soweto welcomes the World

Thursday, 20th November 2008

Soweto welcomes the World

The people of Soweto joined Julia Morley and the Miss World contestants in front of the memorial to Hector Pieterson. The people took the streets to see the wreath laying ceremony the Chairman of the Miss World Organisation who was joined by reigning Miss World Zilin Zhnag and the sister of Hector Pieterson, to remember those who have lost their lives in the struggle for freedom. After the emotional ceremony the contestants were welcomed by thousands of Sowetons at a special lunch in on of the world famous streets in the world, Vilakazi , being the only street in the world that is home to two Nobel Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu. In true Soweton style the contestants were greeted by a steel band and local dancersTHE tables were set for guests to enjoy traditional food of Soweto mixed and the vibrant atmosphere and great hospitality. This was the first time over 112 nations have gathered in Soweto and all the contestants enjoyed a reception never seen before in this country.

MISS WORLD NEWS / King Monomotapa welcomes Miss World contestants

Thursday, 20th November 2008

King Monomotapa welcomes Miss World contestants

The contestants from Miss World 2008 Festival arrived at Zebra Lodge, on the outskirts of Pretoria, where they were welcomed by King Monomotapa dressed in traditional Ndebele/Pedi outfit. Local Ndebele tribe dancing took place around an open fire as the contestants completed the first part of a puzzle to take them on a journey to discover the hidden treasure that lies within the secrets of the Monomotapa Kingdom as the contestants get ready for the safari experience at Legends.

Miss World visits Soweto, South Africa

Louise McAuliffe
20 November 2008

A moments silence at the Hector Pieterson Memorial

Enjoying traditional African cuisine in Vilakazi Street

South African representative - Tansey Coetzee

Entertainment South African style

Miss World contestants let their hair down and danced in the streets of Soweto after visiting some of our local heritage sites.

112 Contestants from all over the world have gathered in Johannesburg for the 58th Miss World Festival which is being held at the Sandton Convention Centre on December 13.

Included in their action packed itinerary was a visit to the Hector Pieterson Museum in Orlando West, Soweto.

The current Miss World 2007, Zhang Zilin, lay flowers on the memorial dedicated to memory of 13-year-old Hector Pieterson who was killed during the 1976 Student Uprising in Soweto. A moment of silence was called for amongst the ladies in honour of the event.

After the mornings events the ladies enjoyed a buffet of traditional african cuisine in Vilakazi Street - famous for once being home to two Nobel Peace Prize Laureate winners - Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

The famished contestants all tucked into traditional dishes such as Ulusu (Tripe in a mushroom sauce), The Xhosa chiefs meal - Umgquusho (mixture of beans cooked till soft and tender), Pap known as the Zulu chiefs meal (slow cooked maize meal) and Idombolo (steamed African bread).

Events on Miss World’s itinerary

* Safari at a local conservancy

* Visit to Umhlanga Rocks

* Charity Ball

* Talent Show

* Sports Day

* Children’s party at the zoo

Fundraising is a key part of the tour under the ’Beauty With A Purpose’ banner which has seen Miss World raise over US$500m for good causes around the globe.

This is the fourth occasion that South Africa has played host to this prestigious event.

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Ivonne Orsini - Miss WORLD PUERTO RICO 2008!

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Diamond necklace to be auctioned for `Beauty With A Purpose`

Diamond necklace to be auctioned for `Beauty With A Purpose`

Julia Morley, Chairman, Miss World Limited was welcomed to Johannesburg by the city`s dignitaries and was presented with a stunning diamond necklace. This will be auctioned at the Miss World Charity dinner on Saturday 6 December under the `Beauty with A Purpose` charitable programme. The necklace weighs 17 carats and is made up of 22 diamonds. The most spectacular is a yellow diamond, in the centre of a circle of smaller diamonds, which is over 10 carats on its own. All diamonds have been certified by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) in New York as having an excellent cut and are set in platinum and yellow gold.

Donated by Mohseen Valli Moosa, Chief Executive, African Romance, Africa`s first and only international brand to offer ethically mined African diamonds and produce African designed jewellery. The necklace is expected to raise well in excess of 4 million Rand. The proceeds from the auction will be donated through `Beauty With A Purpose` to charities chosen by Julia Morley, Chairman, Miss World Limited and Lindiwe Mahlangu, CEO, Johannesburg Tourism Company. Charity work is an integral part of the Miss World ethos and is the only beauty pageant that works with each host nation to make a difference to the lives of its people. Each contestant works with charities in their home country and they bring with them a very special gift which is auctioned at the Miss World Charity Evening. African Romance is also presenting each contestant a bracelet with a diamond set in.

South Africa welcomes Miss World contestants

South Africa welcomes Miss World contestants

The 112 Miss World contestants were greeted on their arrival at Freedom Park, the venue for the official South African welcome, with traditional African drummers as they walked up into the courtyard. The contestants then had the opportunity to meet the newly crowned Miss Confidence, a South African beauty pageant that celebrates women with disabilities and the founder, Masingita Masunga, who herself suffers from Cerebral Palsy.

Hosted by the Guateng Tourism Agency, the Honourable Qedani Mahlangu, MEC for Local Government and Pule Malefane, Chief Operations Officer from the Gauteng Tourism Authority addressed the contestants and spoke about the vote of confidence that the Miss World Organisation had given by bringing the month-long festival to South Africa. After lunch the contestants were taken to the sanctuary element of Sikhumbuto in the park. Here they were entertained by dancing and a musical performance by Lira, a famous South African singer, who after inviting some audience participation had some competition on her hands from Miss Zambia who sung a beautiful melody. Freedom Park in Pretoria takes visitors on a tour of the tortuous journey and sacrifices made for freedom in South Africa.

Contestants pictured outside Union Buildings

Contestants pictured outside Union Buildings

Miss World contestants are pictured outside the Union Buildings, which sit on Meintjies Kop, the highest point overlooking Pretoria, the administrative capital city of South Africa. The Union Buildings forms the official seat of the South African government and houses the offices of the President of South Africa. They have expansive terraced gardens which step down the hillside dotted with statues of former prime ministers.

Nelson Mandela Bridge provides the backdrop for Miss World contestants

Nelson Mandela Bridge provides the backdrop for Miss World contestants

This morning all 112 Miss World contestants arrived for a photo shoot at the spectacular Nelson Mandela Bridge, one of Johannesburg`s landmarks. For this special occasion the bridge was closed to all traffic as the contestants walked across the tarmac towards the invited media all waiting to get the perfect picture. The largest cable-stayed bridge in South Africa, opened by Nelson Mandela, can be found in the heart of Johannesburg and is a symbol of South Africa`s new democracy.

Johannesburg welcomes Miss World Contestants /

Johannesburg welcomes Miss World Contestants

More than 600 people attended the City of Johannesburg Miss World welcome dinner to meet all this year`s Miss World contestants for the first time. The evening started with a magical opening revealing on stage of all 112 contestants in their stunning dresses as a shower of sparks fell from the ceiling to create an amazing special effect. The eyes of Johannesburg were on the Miss World contestants as they walked down the stage whilst being serenaded by male vocalists. Last on stage to be welcomed was reigning Miss World, Zilin Zhang, wearing a dress specially designed JJ Schoeman. The dress will be auctioned at the Miss World Charity Dinner on the 6 December under the `Beauty With A Purpose` banner.

The guests were addressed by The Mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo, Lindiwe Mahlangu, CEO of the Johannesburg Tourism Council, Julia Morley, Chairman, Miss World Organisation and the Deputy Mayor. Julia Morley said: `We will build together a Johannesburg that the world can enjoy. We are on a journey together.` The evening entertainment was packed with musical and dance performances. At the end of the night of all the 112 Miss World contestants were invited back to the stage as an aerial blast of gold glitter showered the room. Zilin Zhang then joined the contestants and took centre stage wearing her Miss World Crown the official media photo shoot with the city dignitaries.

Miss WORLD 2008 Welcome Dinner / Photos courtesy from Courtesy Sunday Times

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Miss WORLD 2008 Welcome Dinner!

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Miss WORLD 2008 Welcome Dinner!

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Contestants for the Miss World Pageant gathered in Johannesburg in Monday.

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Miss World: Vietnamese contestants in top five bet to win

VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese representative at the Miss World pageant contest in South Africa, Duong Truong Thien Ly, is now in top five contestants who are bet to be the winners of the contest by seven bankers.

Duong Truong Thien Ly

Thien Ly and Miss Trinidad & Tobago are bet for 1/12 and 1/15 by two bankers Bet 365 and Betfair.

Banker Stan James ranks Thien Ly at the third position at the betting rate of 1/14. Centrebet put Thien Ly at the 15^th position, with betting rate of 1/25.

Thien Ly is in the top 5 for banker Paddy Power, at the rate of 1/12. She shares the fourth position with Miss Ecuador, with banker Boylesport, at betting rate 1/12, and also at the fourth position with Miss Trinidad & Tobago, betting rate 1/13, with banker Gamebookers.

Thien Ly is appreciated more highly by bankers than other Vietnamese contestants at Miss World, like Miss Vietnam Pham Thi Mai Phuong in 2002, and Miss Vietnam Mai Phuong Thuy in 2006.

According to the official website of the Miss World 2008, one more title – Miss People’s Choice - will be presented to the contestant who wins the highest votes by the audiences. This contestant will admit the semi-final round (15 best contestants).

Son Ha