PICTURE OF THE WEEK

August 23, 1998


Jessica Motaung, 2nd runner-up to Miss World 1997

Africa's Queen of Beauty

Jessica Motaung, second runner-up to Miss World 1997, graces the cover of the July 1998 issue of Ebony South Africa.

In her cover story, Jessica talks about her relationship with her African-American partner (in both love and business) and their new entertainment company. And even though she is very busy getting the company going, she still makes public appearances for the Miss South Africa organization.

Her four titles referred to on the cover are Miss Gauteng (the province she represented at Miss South Africa 1997), first princess to Miss South Africa 1997, second princess to Miss World 1997, and Africa's Queen of Beauty (bestowed on her by the Miss World organization).

The July issue of Ebony South Africa also includes an article on the business success of three other South African beauty queens: Jacqui Mofokeng, first runner-up to Miss World 1993; Basetsane Makgalamele, first runner-up to Miss World 1994; and Augustine Masilela, top ten semifinalist at Miss Universe 1995.

They discuss their various business ventures and careers and the ways in which their titles have both helped and hindered their journey into the corporate world. Basetsane perhaps best sums up their experience: "...Becoming Miss South Africa is, after all, not a grande finale; it is just a beginning."


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