2014-2015

Palesa

The crown, named Palesa (Flower in Sesotho) was designed from platinum by the Jack Friedman team as well as pageant designer Malcolm Kluk using inspiration taken from the natural beauty of indigenous South African flowers and traditional patterns. It was worn by Rolene Strauss and Liesl Laurie.

(Source: Sowetan, Jack Friedman).
Image: Jack Friedman Jewellers | Pinterest

2015 - 2018

Enhle

Enhle designed by Jack Friedman. Worn by Ntandoyenkosi Kunene (2016), Demi Leigh Nel-Peters (2017) and Tamaryn Green (2018).

Image: Getty Images

2018 - 2022

Buhle

Named Buhle (inspired by ubuhle uthingo lenkosazana, which means “the beauty of a rainbow”), it was designed by world-renowned local jewellery designer Johan Louw in association with American Swiss, which is the official fine jewellery partner. It was chosen as a celebration of women, cultural diversity and our rainbow nation. Buhle is handcrafted in premium 925 sterling silver and features more than 2 500 fine-cut cubic zirconia stones of the highest grade, which were hand-cut and set by master diamond cutters and have a total weight of 182cts. Buhle was worn by Zozibini Tunzi (then Sasha-Lee Olivier, Shudu, Lalela Mswane and Ndavi Nokeri). The colourful band of jewels around the base was inspired by traditional Ndebele patterns, while the larger princess-cut stones rising up from it are intended to resemble shooting stars. It was valued at a staggering R500 000.

Sources: Timeslive | News24
Image: News24

2023 - 2024

Dubbed Mowana,
the “Tree of Life.” 

According to Miss SA: "As the new title holder takes in the enormity of the moment in which she becomes a South African ambassador and role model to young people everywhere, she will be carrying the weight of our heritage and of one of the most recognisable symbols of our country – a tree that signifies life." 

Designed by Ursula Pule, creative director and co-founder of Nungu Diamonds, the proud sponsor of the new Miss South Africa crown. It is made up of more than 800 stones comprising diamonds, gemstones and cubic zirconia, the biggest weighing 15 carats. 

She says: “My inspiration came from a safari we took in Musina in 2019, from the magnificent baobab tree, also known as the Tree of Life. As you drive into Limpopo, you see these exquisite trees – unlike any other trees – that represent our African heritage.

“The next morning, on a game drive, I saw the sun rising behind a baobab and was mesmerised. That was my inspiration and I have carried that vision with me all these years. When it was time to design the crown, I thought that there was nothing better to represent our country and our company Nungu Diamonds.”

Source: Miss SA | News24
Image: Miss SA