Sasha-Lee takes over Miss SA crown

Sasha-Lee Olivier will be officially unveiled as the new Miss South Africa 2019 today.

This comes after title holder Zozibini Tunzi won the Miss Universe last month.

The 26-year-old beauty queen was the runner-up when Tunzi was crowned Miss SA in August.

“I am so happy for Zozi who deserves, in every way, to wear the Miss Universe sash,” Olivier said.

“I wish her every success. I step into big shoes.

“I just want Zozi to know that I will do my best to fill them.”

Tunzi wished Olivier well as the new Miss SA.

“I cannot think of anyone who is more suitable to be Miss SA,” she said.

“Sasha has it all: beauty, brains and, above all, a commitment to help others.

“I have no doubt that she will use her reign to help improve the lot of those in need.”

Olivier will take over all Miss SA duties that include fulfilling obligations to the sponsors.

She represented SA last month at the Miss World pageant.

A survivor of sexual abuse, Olivier intends to devote her Miss SA reign to her #it’snotyourfault campaign.

It is designed to support, inspire and help survivors of sexual abuse.

“A very deep sense of shame accompanies rape and long-term sexual abuse,” she said.

“Those who have suffered at the hands of the predators and perpetrators feel responsible for their own abuse, and are profoundly ashamed of what is happening, or has happened, to them.

“We need to change the commonly held perception regarding this ... the shame does not lie with the victim at all.”