Joburg beat Seoul, London, Hong Kong and China's San Yang Island to win the hosting rights to the event - the world's oldest and best recognised international beauty pageant - after it was moved from Kiev over fears of political instability in Ukraine's neighbouring South Ossetia and Russia. SA has hosted the event successfully on three previous occasions - at Sun City in 1992, 1995 and 2001. However, it is now the City of Gold's turn to shine.
Over two billion people
One hundred and twelve contestants from all over the world are expected to compete for the crown, marking the biggest turnout in the 58 years of the pageant, surpassing the previous record of 107 during Miss World 2004
SA will be represented by Tansey Coetzee, who is already a hot favourite after having been placed second in the Miss World Beach Beauty and in the Top 10 in the Top Model competitions which have formed part of the build-up to the finale. At the conclusion of the final night of competition, outgoing titleholder Zhang Zilin will crown her successor.
The contestants have been in the country since 18 November and have been involved in a number of events, including the FIFA Confederations Cup draw. All countries that will be participating in the FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 2010 are also represented by their local "Miss Country" winners.
Created in 1951, the Miss World competition was introduced as part of the Festival of Britain celebrations. It is owned and managed by UK-based Miss World Limited.
"This 58th show we are going to have here in South Africa will be the best," says Miss World Limited co-founder and chairperson Julia Morley, adding that it was the rich cultures and endless possibilities of Johannesburg that set the city apart.
She also said Miss World Limited would be making use of top SA designers, including jewellery company African Romance, to dress and adorn the contestants.
Morley coined the phrase "Beauty With A Purpose" more than 25 years ago and since then more than $US400 million has been raised in its name in support of children's charities across the globe, bring help and hope to hundreds of thousands in need. Among the many recipients of this outstanding fund-generating activity has been the Nelson Mandela Trust, Operation Hunger, and the SOS Children's Villages which cares for orphaned and abandoned children in 132 countries.
Miss World is brought to television audiences by SABC3 in association with the Johannesburg Tourism Company. It will be broadcast live on SABC3 on Saturday, 13 December 2008, 5pm - 7pm.
Says Gesh Conco, communications manager for SABC3: “By partnering with Miss World we will give millions of South Africans the opportunity to experience a world-class event which continues to thrill audiences around the globe."
