Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss crowned Miss World 2014
December 14, 2014 -- Updated 2202 GMT (0602 HKT)
"South Africa, this is
for you," she said in an interview after the pageant. "I'm so proud of
you, and I'm proud to be your representative."
Strauss, 22, inherited
the crown from Miss World 2013, Megan Young of the Philippines. She won
the title over runner-up Miss Hungary Edina Kulcsar. Miss United States
Elizabeth Safrit took third place.
Strauss, a fourth-year
medical student at University of the Free State, put her studies on hold
after being crowned Miss South Africa in March. In her official Miss
World 2014 introduction video, she credits former South African
President Nelson Mandela with paving the way for her to pursue a career
in medicine by creating a democratic South Africa.
Strauss said she looked
forward to continuing the legacy of Miss World CEO Julia Morley, founder
of "Beauty With a Purpose," a nonprofit that supports humanitarian
projects of Miss World contestants.
Those who participate in a charitable contest or cause through the organization compete for the "Beauty With a Purpose" award, winning points toward their final score.
The focus on charitable
acts helps counter criticism that the pageant promotes superficial
images of women through swimsuit competitions and slinky evening gowns.
As Miss South Africa, Strauss has promoted projects in women's rights,
health and education, including one to provide menstruation education to
schoolgirls in South Africa.
What do you think of beauty pageants such as Miss World? Tell us in the comments.
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