It will be held on Women’s Day, Friday, at the Sun Arena at Time Square, Pretoria. 

It will be televised live and simulcast on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) and Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161).

Nel-Peters said she was delighted to be on the other side of the Miss South Africa stage for the first time.

"This is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. What better way to celebrate Women’s Day than on home soil! I have been in these ladies' shoes, so I understand what they are experiencing and I can relate to them in every aspect of the competition," said Nel-Peters.

"I also know how much effort I put in as a competitor and how much dedication it takes to win, not only a national title but the most sought-after international title."

This year members of the public can vote for their favourite contestant on the Miss South Africa website - www.misssa.co.za. The winner of the People’s Choice category will automatically make it to the Top 10 on pageant night.

The winner will take home close to R3 million in prize money and sponsorships, with the cash component being R1 million. The runner-up takes home R250,000 in cash and all 16 finalists will receive R25,000.

African News Agency (ANA)