Congratulations are in order for Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters! The second South African to hold the title after nearly four decades, following Miss Universe 1978 Margaret Gardiner, there are more than a few things that we need to know about the reigning monarch!
Demi-Leigh hails from the South African coastal community of Sedgefield in the Western Cape province. She has since used her title as Miss South Africa to draw attention to key issues in her hometown, like a fire that swept through the nearby town of Knysna, burning more than 10,000 hectares in the region.
She enjoys an active lifestyle. In between rigorous physical training, she finds the time to participate in marathons.
Demi Leigh is a part of a 'modern family'. A proud product of four parents, enjoying close relations with her biological parents and their new spouses.
She has a soft spot for children. Demi Leigh has a step-sister from her dad and step-mom, Franje, who is diagnosed with subtotal cerebellar agenisis, a condition that leaves a person without a cerebellum. This has inspired her to lend her voice and influence to several causes for underprivileged and disabled kids.
Demi Leigh trained to be a leader. She holds a degree in B.Com Business Management and Entrepreneurship from the North-West University, which gears graduates in supervisory positions in a wide variety of business settings.
Demi Leigh has inner strength. Shortly after being crowned Miss South Africa, she was robbed at gunpoint a month. Rising above her traumatizing experience, she helped develop a program to empower women through giving self-defense training to handle various dangerous situations.
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Photographs from Carletonvilleherald.com, Instagram.com/missuniverse, and Instagram.com/demileighnp
Banner photo by the author