First Miss SA in democracy: Where is Basetsana Kumalo now?

South African model Basetsana Kumalo was crowned Miss SA in 1994, making her the first Miss SA to be crowned in democracy following the end of apartheid… where is she now?

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WHO IS BASETSANA KUMALO?

Basetsana Kumalo was crowned Miss SA in 1994 making her the first Miss SA to be crowned in the democracy. She then went on to become the Miss World first runner up that same year.

The beauty queen has a history with beauty pageants as she also held the titles of Miss Soweto and Miss Black South Africa at the age of 16. So, her modelling career began back in 1990. She went on to study at the University of Venda and Damelin.

The former Miss SA married Romeo Kumalo, an executive at Vodacom, who previously worked as a broadcaster – according to Briefly. The pair have three children together – Nkosinathi Gabriel, uShaka Kgositsile Emmanuel, and Bontle ba Morena Jasmine (Gift of God) Kumalo (2014).

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WHERE IS FIRST MISS SA IN DEMOCRACY NOW?

Following her reign as Miss SA, Basetsana ventured into the TV industry and became a host on Top Billing. She is also a businesswoman, she is the President of the Business Women’s Association of South Africa.

The beauty queen also acquired Tawana shares for her company Pro Direct 189 and is a board member of several companies such as Morongwa Investment Holdings, Tactic Group Limited, Unipalm Investment Holdings Vhangana Energy Resources, SME Financial Holdings Limited and more. She also launches clothing and cosmetic lines.

The beauty queen lives with her husband and kids in Johannesburg. She has been in a five-year-long legal battle against author Jackie Phamotse, who was found guilty of defamation against Romeo, according to Times Live.

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