Rolene Strauss is Africa's darling girl

Almost 14 years ago, Rolene Strauss met the then Miss South Africa, Jo-Ann Strauss, and was mesmerised by Jo-Ann’s grace and undeniable beauty. Little would the nine-year-old Rolene know that she would follow in Jo-Ann’s footsteps. The Miss World pageant was held in London on Sunday night, with more than 100 beautiful women from all corners of the globe competing for the coveted title of Miss World. Rolene was a favourite from the very start, alongside Miss Kenya who didn’t make the top five finalists. With Rolene the only African in the top five, the continent rallied behind her and social networks were abuzz with everyone rooting for the South African. The top five were Miss Hungary, Miss Australia, Miss United States, Miss South Africa and Miss England. Beauty with brains Rolene was born in Volksrust, Mpumalanga, the daughter of Theresa, a nurse, and Hennie Strauss, a doctor. In the year 2000, at eight years of age, Rolene witnessed the crowning of Jo-Ann Strauss as Miss South Africa for that year. The two share a surname but aren’t related. Rolene dreamed of winning the title herself, and she did so in March 2014. Rolene is a medical student at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. Defining moment After the top five were announced, each of the finalists was asked the same question and given 30 seconds to answer. "Why do you think that you should be the next Miss World 2014?" was the question. Rolene clearly outshone all the other finalists. Confident and gracious, the beauty responded: "Unity, respect, forgiveness exist and are the aspirations of the Miss World organisation. Humanity, forgiveness and peace are important," she said, adding that she has all those qualities. South Africa celebrates Rolene has vowed to make South Africa proud, and our neighbours are celebrating her victory. South African President Jacob Zuma said Rolene had "demonstrated the capability of South Africans to shine on the world stage". Rolene’s Miss World victory means that she will not participate in the Miss Universe pageant. South Africa will be represented there by Miss South Africa first runner-up Ziphozakhe Zokufa. WINDHOEK GORDON JOSEPH