South African model Tshego Gaelae has made history as the first Black woman to be crowned Mrs World, winning the prestigious title at the 40th edition of the pageant held in Las Vegas, USA.
Gaelae emerged victorious over a competitive field, with Sri Lanka’s Ishadi Amanda securing the first runner-up position and Thailand’s Ploy Panperm finishing as the second runner-up.
Expressing her joy, Gaelae took to Instagram to celebrate her achievement, writing, “To God Be The Glory. Thank you so much for the love and support, I am beyond grateful and elated! My beautiful South Africa, the crown is coming home.”
The Mrs World pageant, which began in 1984, is the first beauty competition exclusively for married women.
Her victory was widely celebrated by Mrs South Africa, the organization that supported her journey. In a statement on social media, the group wrote, “From Soweto to Vegas and now the World! The Crown is Coming Home! Thank you to everyone who supported our Queen on her incredible journey.”
Gaelae’s win comes amid rising competition in the global pageant scene between South Africa and Nigeria. In 2024, Chidimma Adetshina became the first Nigerian and West African to finish as the first runner-up at the Miss Universe 2024 competition in Mexico City. However, her journey was marred by controversy over her South African citizenship, which led to her withdrawal from Miss South Africa before she won Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.
Gaelae’s triumph marks another milestone for South Africa in the global beauty industry, further cementing the country’s reputation in international pageantry.
