Bryoni Govender made South Africa so proud on her journey through Miss Universe. She made the Top 20 and became another finalist in the Voice for Change campaign. Despite not taking home the crown, locals have offered her another one smelted with pride:
Global (20 November 2023) — When Bryoni Govender took to one of the most daunting stages known to high heels over the weekend, South Africans everywhere beamed with pride. Although the Miss Universe pageant saw hundreds of hopeful countries gunning for the ultimate crown, not all represented their nations as wholly and thoughtfully as Bryoni did.
View this post on Instagram
Despite her journey to Miss Universe ending in the Final Top 20 (which is a huge achievement), many South Africans shared the same sentiment toward our 2023 rep: even without the crown, she made us so proud.
For those who have gotten to know the Gauteng-based attorney throughout her Miss South Africa and Miss Universe campaigns, Bryoni’s passion for transformative action in South Africa, specifically for women, echoes that of Zozi Tunzi.
It was no surprise then, that she made another finalists’ court in her Miss Universe chapter—the Voice for Change Top 10 Silver.
This thanks to Bryoni’s ‘Her Way Out’ advocacy campaign for women. This campaign was inspired through Bryoni’s experience as an attorney showed her how many women need access to the knowledge of their own rights in legal spheres.
“I want to empower all women, no matter the issue, from those battling gender-based violence, pensioners, women with health problems, professional women, mothers, grandmothers and daughters…
“I have seen a woman glow when she heard she had tenancy rights and could not be evicted from her home of 43 years and I have comforted a domestic worker who wept on learning she had legal recourse to summary dismissal and was later awarded a six months’ salary,” said Bryoni of Her Way Out.
Her advocacy coupled with her magnificent representation earned her a sea of support from South Africa at the end of her journey.
As one of many supportive comments read:
“Maybe you didn’t get the crown but you sure did win the hearts of the ppl worldwide most importantly South Africa. You ARE QUEEN OF HEARTS and left an impact that many couldn’t. You are a trailblazer and made us not only proud but made us the Minority feel seen, heard and loved. Massive Congratulations. South Africa awaits you….”—@vimzr.
In light of the support she received beyond the end, Bryoni shared:
“The most rewarding part of this entire journey was receiving all the kind words of encouragement, love and support from my fellow South Africans! I hope to have made you all proud.”
by 