The last time a Miss Universe crown was on South African soil was back in 1978 on the head of Margaret Gardiner, and 40 years later, it’s heading back to SA soil, this time firmly placed on the head of our former Miss South Africa and current Miss Universe, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters.

Demi-Leigh will return to South Africa for her official homecoming celebration on January 24, since being crowned on November 26, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As the 66th Miss Universe winner, Nel-Peters will embark on a week-long celebration that includes visits to Johannesburg, Cape Town and her hometown, Sedgefield.

As Miss Universe, Nel-Peters will work to empower women around the globe through her Unbreakable campaign, an initiative she previously created in South Africa by partnering with self-defence experts to educate, empower and train women on how to handle situations including various forms of assault, toxic relationships and sexual harassment.

During her visit to South Africa, Nel-Peters will host Unbreakable workshops in both Soweto and Cape Town with members of the community. She will also revisit victims of the Knysna fires who were beneficiaries of her fund-raising efforts for disaster relief in 2017.

Nel-Peters says she is thrilled to officially return home: “I can’t begin to express my gratitude and how proud I am to represent our country as Miss Universe. Being a global ambassador is as much a responsibility as it is an honour. Our nation is comprised of many different backgrounds and cultures, one of the many things that makes me immensely proud to be a South African. I am very excited to celebrate this achievement with my people in the spirit of Mzansi.”

Her whistle-stop tour includes official welcomes at both OR Tambo and Cape Town International airports; a street parade in Sedgefield; an experience at South Africa’s most prestigious horse-racing event The Sun Met as well as meeting with dignitaries and former Miss South Africa title holders at Cell C’s head office.

The Miss South Africa organisation says: “Demi’s win has elevated national pride inspiring thousands of young people. We all have an extra spring in our step and smile a little broader when our fellow countrymen and women excel on the international stage. Demi’s homecoming is an opportunity for all South Africans to join in the celebrations and we couldn’t be prouder. Thank you to everyone for their continued support.”

To learn more, visit www.missuniverse.com