Port Elizabeth to host this year’s Miss Drag South Africa

The date is set, with 14 hopefuls from 9 provinces vying for one crown, following months of preparation! Miss Drag South Africa 2018’s Crowning Gala will take place at the Port-Elizabeth Opera House on 29 September.

Miss Drag South Africa is a national pageant where beautiful and intelligent hopefuls from across the nation compete for the prestigious title. The purpose of this prestigious annual pageant is to “celebrate diversity.”

The 14 finalists were recently introduced to the public, via social media and a Sash Ceremony at the inaugural Glam-Camp, from 27 to 29 July.

The finalists are, in no particular order: Ava-Reece Cole (Eastern Cape), Blacc Barbie (Free State), Gose Von Stefan (North West), Ikihara Von Ton (Northern Cape), Ina Propriete (Western Cape), Konang Grace (Gauteng), Noxolo Grootboom (Eastern Cape), Paulina Kars (Northern Cape), Sasha Le Strange (Western Cape), Shubani Tankiso (Free State), Sjarmante Diamante (Gauteng), Somizy Sincwala (Gauteng), Thayonce Tau (Northern Cape), Miss Vicky (Eastern Cape).

Pageant Director, Enigma Von Hamburg, said that Miss Drag South Africa “acts as an inclusive pageant for drag queens, gender queer and trans bodies.” She continued: “This platform is much more than just a beauty contest, it highlights the aim of ‘Drag for a Purpose’; to inspire ordinary people that carry out extraordinary things, to advocate the advancement of LGBTQA+ rights and drag culture and to serve as agents for change and uplift their communities as positive role models.

“The pageant is also a vehicle to educate our communities to respect and show tolerance towards people from diverse sexual orientation, cultural, religious and racial backgrounds.”

In last year’s edition, Zilin Ayoki, a primary school teacher from Mitchell’s Plain in the Western Cape, competed against 11 fierce finalists from across the country to be crowned Miss Drag South Africa 2017. Zilin walked away with a prize package valued at R50 000, including a cash prize, travelling allowance, a designer dress, make-up hamper, hair salon vouchers, spa products, professional photoshoot, educational training voucher and more. Since her crowning, she’s continued with her ‘Drag for A Purpose’ initiatives, in the hopes of enhancing the lives of those in need.

“The new Miss Drag South-Africa 2018 will continue with the initiatives, and create, advocate and run their own,” said Von Hamburg. “I’m very excited and proud of this year’s hopefuls. It’s a strong group, with amazing flair and talent. The finalists had an exciting weekend at the Glam Camp, with the Sash-Ceremony on the Friday evening, official photoshoot and press on the Saturday and the Gala Dinner on Saturday evening. With their introductory videos taken in between, and lots of fun!”

Nelson Mandela Bay has been chosen as the host city for the 2018 Crowning Gala. To be as inclusive as possible, the pageant will be held in a different province every year. Tickets for the Crowning Gala are available on Computicket at R150 per person. Doors open at 18:30. Make sure you embrace your inner Opera Diva or Don, because Phantom of the Opera is the theme for the evening!

If you would like to become a sponsor, please email pageant director Enigma von Hamburg or Alternative Media.