Miss Universe 2024: Where to watch in South Africa

South Africans will be able to watch the Miss Universe finale live on S3 (formerly known as SABC 3) on 17 November. However, South Africa’s representative Mia le Roux has withdrawn from the pageant.

HOW SOUTH AFRICANS CAN WATCH MISS UNIVERSE LIVE

S3, formerly known as SABC 3, will broadcast the Miss Universe pageant live in South Africa from 04:00 on Sunday 17 November. There will also be a repeat later that day at 20:00.

Reigning Miss SA, Mia le Roux, who made history as the country’s first-ever differently abled Miss SA, has withdrawn from the pageant.

Reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua will crown her successor at the end of the event.

Contestants from 127 countries are competing in the competition which will be hosted by US TV personality Mario Lopez. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray will serve as one of the commentators along with Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza, Puerto Rican TV personality Carlos Adyan and Brazilian actress, model and former Miss Universe contestant Julia Gama.

South Africa’s first-ever Miss Universe, Margaret Gardiner, is one of the judges.

ALL WOMEN OVER 18 ALLOWED TO COMPETE

The Miss Universe Organisation has allowed all women over 18 years old to participate, no matter their age, for the first time this year.

South Africa is one of the top pageant countries in the world and has had an impressive track record at the Miss Universe pageant:

2017 – Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (Tebow) crowned Miss Universe
2018 – Tamaryn Green (Green-Nxumalo), first runner-up
2019 – Zozibini Tunzi, crowned Miss Universe
2021 – Lalela Mswane, second runner-up

Mia dropped out due to health concerns and explained that she needed to focus on her health.

“I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe. Making the decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me,” she said.

“However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength,” she continued.