17 November 2024: As the stage lights blazed to life, the hearts of the Top 30 finalists in the 2024 Mrs South Africa pageant powered by IME raced with nerves and excitement from behind the curtains. Among them, three hopefuls could hardly imagine that their names would be called by the end of the night.
From a truly impressive field of contestants, three exceptional women emerged to claim their crowns at the spectacular and star-studded finale event held at the Theatre of Marcellus in Emperors Palace on Friday, 15 November 2024.
Erin-Jane Miller (42) from Fourways in Johannesburg, a CEO in the digital media space, was named this year’s Queen. She is the CEO and Executive Producer at Recode Media. She as 2 amazing kids with her spouse Bryan Miller, to whom she has been married for 17 years. In her spare time, she enjoys working out and spending time with her boys.
Erin is flanked by First Princess Tshiamo Githinji (30) from Sandton, and Second Princess Lisa Gittins (25) from Pretoria.
“The journey has been nothing short of a lifechanging experience,” Miller said shortly after being crowned. “The Mrs South Africa dream is free and attainable to anyone who’s motivated to reach for it. However, it’s on you to put in the effort to become your best self, to push through the difficult moments that exist to teach resilience, and to accept that you can and should lean on your fellow sisters. I’m blessed to wear this crown, and truly thankful for the support every person has shown me along this road.”
Miller’s victory marks the culmination of an intensive, year-long campaign of self-development that tested the finalists’ leadership abilities and potential for personal growth. As the new Mrs South Africa, she will represent the country at various international competitions and champion her various philanthropic projects throughout her reign.
Behind the scenes: The preliminary judging process
The path to the crown began the previous day with the Preliminary Competition, where the bulk of the judging took place. As Joani Johnson, CEO of the Mrs South Africa programme explained: “Prelims carry a lot of weight, as this is our finalists’ best opportunity to demonstrate how they’ve evolved over the past year in front of our panel of expert judges.
Emceed by Nicole Capper – a former Mrs South Africa, Survivor runner-up, and general manager of Humanz Africa – the Preliminary Competition created a fun, more relaxed environment where finalists took to the stage in the eveningwear and swimwear of their choice to make their final presentations. As part of the judging, each contestant was further asked one question on current events, showcasing their understanding of domestic and international affairs, and their approach to hot topics.
“As our winners will go on to represent South Africa on the world stage, the judges were tasked with looking for a wise, empathetic, and worldly woman who others will respect and look up to,” Johnson added.
The judging panel was filled with famous figures, such as Principal Judge Matapa Maila – a prominent business figure with decades of experience in mining explosives, energy and gas, banking, and fast-moving consumer goods.
To her sides were Dr Fezile Mkhize, the well-known medical doctor, model, and celebrity; Nivi Grogor, the founder and CEO of the renowned iME professional growth platform; Jacqueline Ferns, a former Mrs South Africa, and successful entrepreneur and businesswoman; Dr Mpho Phalatse, an award-winning speaker, prominent businesswoman and political figure; Catherine Constantinides, the acclaimed climate activist and thought leader; and, finally, fashion guru and philanthropist Melina Lambrakis, the Director and Head Fashion Buyer of the Europa Art Group.
A glamorous and fashion-forward Grand Finale
The Grand Finale celebrated the finishing line of the 10-month Mrs South Africa empowerment programme, filled with numerous professional and personal development workshops, charity events, and mentoring sessions.
Drawing inspiration from the four primary elements – fire, wind, water, and earth – the show fittingly opened with finalists crossing the stage in fiery red dresses, followed by an exhibition of elegant flowing tulle dresses, symbolising the gentle blow of the wind. The swimwear showcase evoked the beauty of natural water, concluding with the eveningwear segment featuring striking, earth-inspired outfits in metallic hues.
Speaking to the judges’ thoughts on the Class of 2024, Maila said, “We were incredibly impressed. The finalists demonstrated remarkable intelligence and a firm understanding of the matters affecting our socio-economic and political landscapes, and they showed both leadership and diversity. Erin, in particular, impressed us with her life experiences. She is unapologetically herself, and strong and confident while remaining real and relatable. She truly embodies the virtues of being a proud South African woman.”
Radio and television presenter Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp emceed the evening, which included a special performance from the talented Mzansi Youth Choir, while independent auditor PKF Octagon provided oversight of the judging process.
The 2024 Grand Finale was made possible by Mrs South Africa’s incredible sponsors: iME, Chery Krugersdorp, Skin Renewal, Lamelle, Hirsch’s Homestore, PR Worx, Brentoni Eyewear, BTL Aesthetics, Slimz, Protein Feed Haircare, PKF Octagon, iStyle, Espavo Hair Design, Action Coach, Kryolan Professional Makeup, Collagen Lift Paris, Lashout by Monise Beauty, Whirlpool, Wild Coast Sun, Karma Clothing, Bio Sculpture, Vitalefemme, Dyson, Clearwater Mall, and Krispy Kreme.
