The government has pushed for Miss South Africa to boycott the contest
A normally neutral event has now become the source of political tension.
The Miss Universe pageant… is being held in Israel next month but is attracting scrutiny from the South African government who is distancing itself from the contest.
The arts and culture ministry says “It has proven difficult to persuade the Miss South Africa pageant organisers to reconsider their decision to partake in the Miss Universe event”.
The government has withdrawn its support due to the organisers disregarding their advice.
They said “the atrocities committed by Israel against Palestinians are well documented and our government cannot in good conscience associate itself with such”.
Miss South Africa has been called on to boycott the pageant that is planned for December 12.
Officials remain concerned that she could face repercussions for participating in the event… affecting her standing as a young Black woman.
But local beauty pageant organisers have rejected these requests… saying the Miss Universe pageant is not a “politically inspired event”.
