Miss SA Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters crowned Miss Universe

[caption id="attachment_230655" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters has been crowned Miss Universe
Picture: Miss Universe[/caption]

Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters was crowned Miss Universe on Sunday night in a star-studded ceremony in Las Vegas‚ making her only the second South African to ever win the crown.

The second runner up was Miss Jamaica and the first runner-up was Miss Colombia.

She was a firm-favourite going into the competition and‚ as TshisaLIVE previously reported‚ pundits predicated Demi would take the crown.

"There's the same sense as when Rolene (Strauss) won Miss World. Demi ticks all the boxes and there's a big buzz around her‚" said an insider at the Miss SA pageant said.

In the first question and answer part of the competition‚ Nel-Peters was asked what the biggest issue facing women around the world is?

Her answer got cheers from the audience.

"Women earn 75% of what men earn doing the same thing. I believe in equal pay for equal work."

In the last question and answer section for the top three‚ contestants were asked 'what quality in yourself are you most proud of and how will you apply that quality to your time as Miss Universe?'

Again‚ Nel-Peters owned the answer.

"As Miss Universe you have to be confident in who you are. Miss Universe has to overcome her fears and teach others to do the same. And nothing is ever to0 much to ask for. That is exactly who I am."

Margaret Gardiner last took the crown in 1978 and SA did not compete in the pageant between 1985 and 1994.

WATCH: Three moments Demi-Leigh nailed the Miss Universe pageant

Leading up to the final rounds‚ Demi was a firm favourite. Many pundits applauded her fitness. https://twitter.com/MissUniverse/status/934982791866990594

When it came to the question and answer section‚ Demi nailed it. https://twitter.com/MissUniverse/status/934983757211172864

Holding onto Miss Colombia's hand as the winner was announced‚ Demi's reaction was priceless as her name was called. https://twitter.com/MissUniverse/status/934980551789785088