South Africans have been lobbying for Miss SA Lalela Mswane not to participate in the Miss Universe pageant that will be hosted in the Middle Eastern country of Israel because of its apartheid tendencies on Palestine.
There are calls from several organisations and individuals for South Africa to withdraw from the 70th Miss Universe that will be held on the 12th of December.
Miss SA has suffered a major blow as government revealed that the withdrawal came after successful consultations with the relevant Ministry.
Israel is accused of committing atrocities in Palestine. Palestinians have been suffering under Israel’s apartheid which is a sensitive issue for South Africa.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa said reasons for withdrawal far outweigh individual interests. The minister revealed that withdrawing will advance South Africa’s reputation.
Miss SA organisation CEO Stephanie Weil had earlier said Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane would participate in the event.
