Jessica Amy Nel is the new Ms Earth South Africa, the 3rd runner up is Thembisa Mathebula, 2nd runner up is Justine Moonsamy and the 1st runner up is Joy Magagula.
She was crowned at a glitzy Gala Dinner, held at the Convention Centre, on Saturday evening.
Speaking about the Pageant, which began in 2001, Katherine Constantinides, said the Miss Earth SA Program now in its 23rd year, is a platform to create a sustainable difference for the planet and people. She thanked a long list of partners and supporters, among them the late former President Nelson Mandela, the current President Cyril Ramaphosa and Patrice Motsepe, Yvette Taylor, Edith Venter, Alan Windethe former Minister of Tourism, Derrick Hanekom, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, Former Ms South Africa teen, model, also a champion for Ms Earth and Host for the Gala event Zizo Beda Tshwete, and more.
Beda-Tshwete, said Ms Earth, is a platform to advocate for change.
“South Africa has a lack of access to basic services, in low income areas, most of the population lives below the poverty line, 20% of the SA population, is food insecure, this places a significance on biodiversity and agriculture.
Climate change a threat, reducing income, and raising the cost of living.”
In just 23 years, the Ms Earth SA program has planted about 57,925 trees.
Guests were welcomed by the King Edward Ansemble (marimba band), sarenaded by artists Archie & George Sam’s during the Gala Dinner.
Picture: new Ms Earth South Jessica Amy Lee (second left), the 3rd runner up is Thembisa Mathebula (right) , 2nd runner up is Justine Moonsamy (left) and the 1st runner up is Joy Magagula (2nd left).