Latest news with #LebohangRaputsoe


News24
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
SA's Lebohang Raputsoe stuns in Swarovski-studded baobab costume at Miss Supranational
Lebohang Raputsoe dazzled in a baobab-inspired costume at the Miss Supranational National Costume preliminaries in Poland. The intricately designed dress features 26 400 Swarovski stones and a stunning baobab tree headpiece. Ahead of the grand finale, Raputsoe urged South Africans to vote for her to secure a spot in the Top 12. Lebohang Raputsoe captivated the audience at Wednesday's Miss Supranational National Costume preliminary with a breathtaking design that celebrated South Africa's iconic baobab tree. Raputsoe is currently in Poland, where she is among 66 contestants from around the world competing for the title this year. Ahead of the prelims, the 26-year-old shared on Instagram that she is excited to represent the nation, share her story, and 'showcase the incredible dedication, hard work, and talent that went into creating this masterpiece!' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lebohang Raputsoe (@lebo_raputsoe_) Designed by Hollywood Costumes, the dress features an impressive 26 400 Swarovski stones. Its sleeves are crafted from flowing blue fabric, featuring bold white patterns. Complementing the ensemble is the headpiece, a stunning representation of a baobab tree, complete with an intricately detailed trunk and foliage. Miss Supranational SA shared a video of Raputsoe walking the stage on Instagram. 'The Majestic Baobab - Tree of Life, a blend of African soil, beauty, landscape, culture, and legacy,' reads the caption. '26 400 Swarovski stones later show the immaculate work and artistry of women and creatives in our country as we unite in telling the story of the 'Oh Majestic Baobab'.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Universe South Africa (@missuniverseza) In May, it was announced that former Miss South Africa top 12 finalist Lebohang Raputsoe will represent the country at the upcoming Miss Supranational competition. The announcement came after the Miss South Africa organisation withdrew from the international pageant with no plans to renew its licence. Shortly thereafter, Bokang Montjane, a former Miss South Africa titleholder, announced her appointment as the new national director of Miss Supranational South Africa. Raputsoe, an HR professional currently pursuing her PhD, has been in Poland since 9 June, where she has been participating in various events and preliminary rounds. Her preliminary gown was designed by Jose De Canha and featured a structured bodice adorned with beadwork. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Supranational South Africa (@misssuprasa) Ahead of tonight's grand finale, where Harashta Haifa Zahra will hand over the crown to her successor, Raputsoe wrote on Instagram: 'I am taking another big leap of faith tonight. And I am fully trusting in the Lord with all my might, heart, and soul.' She also appealed to South Africans to vote for her in the confidence round. 'Those votes will count towards making the Top 12 tonight. We can do this; let's show our patriotic power. I certainly need you to lift me!' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lebohang Raputsoe (@lebo_raputsoe_)


The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala takes over Miss Supranational SA directorship after Miss SA pulled out
Lebohang Raputsoe, who hails from the Vaal, will represent South Africa at next month's Miss Supranational in Poland. Just days after the Miss South Africa organisation confirmed its non-participation at this year's Miss Supranational, former Miss SA Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala announced her role as the new National Director of Miss Supranational SA. 'I feel so honoured to announce that I am the new director of Miss Supranational South Africa,' said Montjane-Tshabalala. Last week, the Miss SA Organisation announced that it had decided not to participate in the Miss Supranational 2025 competition and would not renew its license for the event. Miss Supranational is an annual international beauty pageant that started in 2009. Most contests are held in Poland. Seven years later, a parallel male contest, Mister Supranational, was established. JP Robberts, the CEO of Mr South Africa, was also announced as the National Director of Mister Supranational South Africa. ALSO READ: Miss SA withdraws from Miss Supranational 2025, chooses not to renew event license New director role Montjane-Tshabalala said she has acquired the license for Miss Supranational. 'The international organisation said 'we think Bokang is the right person' because I've actually been doing this for quite some time,' she said, speaking to eNCA. 'I'm extremely excited about working with the Miss Supranational organisation. I cannot wait to see lives change through this beautiful platform,' Montjane-Tshabalala said. Montjane-Tshabalala won Miss SA in 2010, and she said she has spent more than a decade advocating for the empowerment of young women from disadvantaged backgrounds. 'My life's work has been rooted in creating platforms that inspire, uplift and unlock the full potential of the South African girl child, I believe that pageantry, when rooted in purpose, can be a powerful tool for transformation,' read Montjane-Tshabalala statement. ALSO READ: Miss Supranational Lalela Mswane prepping for big homecoming Representing SA Traditionally, Miss SA runner-ups usually take centre stage for this international competition, while the winner represents South Africa through Miss Universe or Miss World. South Africa has been a regular participant at Miss Supranational. Many were surprised when Miss SA 2021 winner Lalela Mswane participated and eventually won the pageant in 2022. In 2023, Ayanda Thabethe, the Miss SA 2022 runner-up, represented South Africa at the Miss Supranational 2023 pageant in Poland. Lebohang Raputsoe will represent South Africa at next month's Miss Supranational. 'We are extremely proud to have chosen a young woman who is kind, who has exceptional leadership qualities and one who has an inspirational story to share with our nation and [is] ready to make a difference and change lives,' Montjane-Tshabalala said. Montjane-Tshabalala said they selected Raputsoe because she has been part of national and international pageants. 'We looked for somebody who has a genuine kind heart, and when she starts speaking about the projects that she's busy with, you will understand why she's the right person to represent South Africa,' said Montjane-Tshabalala on eNCA. Raputsoe is pursuing her doctoral degree (PhD) in Human Resources Management and holds degrees in Industrial Psychology and Labour relations management. 'Navigating school, navigating this new journey and also the people that I want to inspire, how I can best do it has been the biggest challenge for me,' Raputsoe said, speaking to eNCA. NOW READ: PICS: From fierce gowns to costumes – Bryoni Govender's stunning looks at Miss Supranational


News24
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Meet SA's new beauty queen: Lebohang Raputsoe ready for Miss Supranational 2025 in Poland
Former Miss South Africa top 12 finalist Lebohang Raputsoe will represent the country at the upcoming Miss Supranational competition, which is set to take place in Poland next month. According to the Miss Supranational organisation, Raputsoe, from Sharpeville, has officially stepped into the role of Miss Supranational South Africa 2025. The announcement follows the withdrawal of the Miss South Africa organisation from the international pageant, with no plans to renew its licence. In a statement shared on the organisation's official Instagram account, Miss Supranational South Africa director Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala said: 'We are extremely proud to have chosen a young woman who is kind, who has exceptional leadership qualities, and one who has an inspirational story to share with our nation and is ready to make a difference and change lives.' According to the statement, Raputsoe, a 26-year-old HR professional currently pursuing her PhD and holding degrees in Industrial Psychology and Labour Relations Management, describes herself as an inclusion, progression, and transformation activist. She is passionate about youth and child development, with a focus on quality education and sustainability. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Supranational South Africa (@misssuprasa) Previously, Miss South Africa runner-up Bryoni Govender represented the country at the pageant after former titleholder Natasha Joubert opted out of representing the country internationally. Govender reached the top 12, winning the People's Choice Award and the title of Miss Supranational Africa 2023. Former Miss South Africa, Lalela Mswane, represented the country in 2021 and brought home the Miss Supranational title that same year.