Miss World Pageant Heading to Johannesburg

Due to growing concern in regard to the conflict in Russia and in South Ossetia, the organizers have decided to move the Miss World pageant from Kiev, Ukraine, to South Africa. This prestigious event will be hosted in Johannesburg at the Sandton Convention Centre on 13 December 2008 and the public of South Africa will be getting ready for the flood of world beauties that will be streaming into Johannesburg at the end of the year.

The first Miss World pageant was held in 1951. Known then as the Festival Bikini Contest, twenty-six beautiful women lined up and became instant sensations. Founded by Eric Morley, the Miss World pageant grew in popularity and size, and now boasts billions of viewers tuning in on their television sets to catch a glimpse of the most beautiful women in the world. Kiki Haakonson of Sweden was the first Miss World, and fifty-seven women in total have been crowned. South Africa hosted the pageant in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 2001, and will be hosting it for the sixth time this year. In 1958, Penny Coelen won the title and Annelien Kriel captivated the world in 1974.

The bid put forward by South Africa impressed the Miss World chairlady, Julia Morley, as the professionalism of the Johannesburg Tourism Company team gained her confidence with their efficient proposal of venue, accommodation and various other requirements. A hundred and eight ladies will be competing for the prestigious title, including South Africa’s own Tansey Coetzee, reigning Miss South Africa.

Of the countries represented in this year’s pageant, viewers and audience members can look forward to seeing beauties from Angola, France, China, England, Denmark, Germany, Mexico, Namibia, Poland, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, Spain, Thailand, Scotland, Norway, Jamaica, Croatia, Belgium, Greece, Israel, Japan, India, Kenya, Seychelles, Italy, Mongolia, Peru, Mauritius, New Zealand, Portugal, Nigeria and Serbia, to name a few. Johannesburg will most definitely be teeming with exotic beauty this December and everyone is advised not to miss out on this spectacular event, and ensure their seat at the 58th Miss World pageant.