While the pageantry world is waiting with anticipation to hear who will be in the top 12 for Miss SA 2023, the 23-year-old Levern “Donnatella” José says that South Africans are battling with getting access to proper resources. She is one of the top 30 finalists.

“We live in a land of milk and honey, yet many of us still struggle with getting access to the resources that we truly need to progress in life.”

Levern “Donnatella” José (23) is in the top 30 for Miss SA 2023. PHOTO: Instagram

José, who is representing Kimberley, in the Northern Cape, is a candidate property practitioner, a BCom Law student at Eduvos Pretoria, and an entrepreneur. She describes herself as a woman of resolve, grace, and learning. She would love to collaborate with the Minister of Small Business Development and the Minister of Employment and Labour to explore the economic viability of women and youth in South Africa. 

“There is a great responsibility that comes with being in the Top 30, and my focus with this will be on employment and entrepreneurship in the country,” she says. Employment and entrepreneurship are important to José, as she believes this is how women and the youth can be empowered.

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She also believes if everyone had access to resources, people would be able to develop and progress in their desired sectors. 

“I was introduced to pageantry when I moved to Pretoria – after a while it became a reality for me and something that I wanted to pursue,” stated José. She went to the Lyttelton Manor High School.

Levern “Donnatella” José (23) is a candidate property practitioner, a BCom law student at Eduvos Pretoria, and an entrepreneur. PHOTO: Instagram

The top 12 finalists will be announced later this month. The panel responsible for selecting the top 12, include Miss SA 2010, Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala, fashion designer for Khosi Nkosi brand, Nobukhosi Khosi, and Miss SA organisation CEO, Stephanie Weil.

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