Friday, 31 January 2025

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) salutes and celebrates the groundbreaking victory of Tshego Gaelae, who has shattered barriers to become the first Black woman to be crowned Mrs World. Her triumph at the 40th Mrs World pageant in Las Vegas is a resounding victory, not just for her, but for South Africa, Africa, and all women who dare to defy limitations imposed upon them.

Gaelae’s achievement is a powerful affirmation of Black excellence and the unbreakable spirit of African women. As a mother, wife, labour relations manager, and model, she has demonstrated that women are capable of conquering multiple spheres of life, embodying the strength, resilience, and brilliance that define the women of South Africa. Her success is not just a personal milestone—it is a symbol of progress, representation, and the dismantling of systems that have historically excluded Black women from global recognition.

For too long, the world of beauty and international pageantry has been dominated by Eurocentric standards that sidelined African women. Gaelae’s victory is a decisive rejection of that erasure, proving that African beauty, intelligence, and power cannot be ignored. She has planted the flag of South African pride on the world stage, forcing institutions that have long overlooked Black women to finally acknowledge their rightful place.

The EFF recognises that this victory extends beyond aesthetics—true beauty is found in the fight for justice, equality, and the uplifting of those who have been historically oppressed. We trust that Gaelae will use her new platform to inspire change, champion empowerment, and continue breaking down the barriers that keep African women from claiming what is rightfully theirs.

We also extend our recognition to Sri Lanka’s Ishadi Amanda and Thailand’s Ploy Panperm for their remarkable performances as first and second runner-up, respectively. The EFF calls on all South Africans to rally behind Tshego Gaelae as her victory is a battle won in the larger war against the continued exclusion of Black women from global recognition.

ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Leigh-Ann Mathys (National Spokesperson) 082 304 7572

Thato Lebyane (Media Enquiries) 078 304 7572