An excited and overwhelmed Laurie – a 23-year-old B.Com graduate from Eldorado Park – said she was determined to make a difference during her reign.

In her Miss South Africa acceptance speech said: “I am ready for the responsibility that has been placed on my shoulders. Taking on the title of Miss South Africa, I look forward to exploring our beautiful country, to see its beautiful landscape but most importantly to connect with its people. I am proud to stand here as an ambassador of South Africa and my fellow South Africans.”

“My legacy would be to be a Miss South Africa for South Africans, for the people. I want every person to see a little bit of themselves in me. Being an inspiration and a beacon of hope is what I strive for. I want each person to look at me and remember that one can be as great as you want to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination and the dedication you can achieve anything.”

She also thanked her mentor Tatum Keshwar for her input and advice.

As Miss South Africa 2015 Laurie has won cash, a car and products valued at nearly R2-million. Included in this package, sponsor Cell C is giving the winner access to R200 000 to spend on random acts of kindness.

The event – broadcast live on television – was a star-studded affair with a gathering of the biggest number of former Miss South Africa title holders ever including Miss World’s Rolene Strauss, Anneline Kriel and Penny Coelen Rey and one of the country’s early Miss South Africa’s, Adele Kruger who took the crown in 1957.

Sun International’s Public Relations executive Sue Klerck said: “We at Sun International are delighted with the crowning of Liesl whom, I am sure, will walk the path with pride and passion. She represents the whole of South Africa and will make a meaningful contribution to the lives of many as this country celebrates 21 years of democracy.”

Suzette van der Merwe, executive: Commercial Communications Cell C echoed her views: “We would like to congratulate Liesl, the newly crowned Miss South Africa 2015 and believe she will leave an indelible mark during her reign. The Cell C Believe manifesto says ‘Believe that if you can dream it, you can achieve it’ which is embodied in the new Miss South Africa and we feel she will make the country proud in whatever she achieves. At Cell C our vision is to support bold, confident and beautiful women. May this year’s winner inspire a nation and make a difference.”
 
The Miss South Africa judges were former Miss World Anneline Kriel, Sophie Ndaba, Casper Bosman and Kojo Baffoe.

For more information on Miss South Africa 2015, visit www.misssa.co.za. Alternatively, visit and like their page on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

*Image courtesy of Yolanda van der Stoep.