The South African government says it is distancing itself from a decision by the Miss South Africa pageant organisers to participate in the annual Miss Universe contest, due to be held next month in Israel.
The decision came after growing calls for the reigning Miss South Africa, Lalela Mswane, to boycott the pageant that is scheduled to take place in Eilat on December 12.
The arts and culture ministry says it has proven difficult to persuade the Miss SA pageant organisers to reconsider their decision to partake in the Miss Universe event,
The government, therefore, withdraws its support following the organisers’ intransigence and disregard of advice.