Lalela Mswane has accomplished her goal of competing in the Miss Universe and is now en route home!
The Miss SA winner placed as second runner-up in the prestigious pageant, which took place in Eilat, Israel on Sunday.
With everything officially wrapped up, Lalela will now travel back to South Africa, arriving on Wednesday, 14 December.
ALSO READ: ‘I followed what felt right’: Lalela speaks after Miss Universe Top 3 win
HERO’S WELCOME FOR LALELA?
Miss SA organisers announced Lalela’s homecoming in an Instagram post
They posted: “Come join us at OR Tambo International airport (Terminal A arrivals) at 10:30AM tomorrow [ Wednesday] as we welcome her back home. Bring your banner of support and let’s show Lalela some love”.
And despite the backlash from human rights and pro-Palestine activists of her visit to Israel, Lalela was inundated with well wishes for her return.
“Welcome home Lalela. You are brave, beautiful and victorious. So proud of you”
“Against all odds. You did so well. Congratulations and safe travels”
“Continue ring out the message as the DOVE OF PEACE of the African nations. Let this be your mandate for the rest of your reign”
ALSO READ: Get to know Ezra Santos, the designer behind Lalela’s Miss Universe gown
Others hinted at the controversy surrounding Lalela’s trip to Israel, which included government withdrawing their support and calls for her to withdraw.
“I’m so excited that the political party that was against her has been embarrassed… it’s a shame that they couldn’t support her because of their perceptions”
“Let’s hope everything goes peacefully and smoothly when she comes back… Enough hate. Those people need to be happy for her and channel their energy towards solving all of the issues and injustices that they keep complaining about”
“The way you handled the backlash when you were away, do the same when you home. With God by your side, no one will close any doors the heavens opened for you
NEW MISS UNIVERSE DEFENDS COMPETITION IN ISRAEL
Meanwhile the new Miss Universe; Harnaaz Sandhu of India, defended organiser’s decision to host the pageant in Israel.
The 21-year-old activist told Insider that the pageant is “about embracing everyone around the world, especially women.”
She added: “We come here to unite and to share cultures. This is not where we should talk about disparities. It’s something which talks about unity and inspiring each other.”
“I’m actually enjoying myself and my journey in Israel because it’s a beautiful country”.
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