The highly anticipated Miss South Africa 2023 pageant took place on the 13th of August at the SunBet Arena in Time Square, Pretoria. Accompanied by 5 other leading South African designers, Gert-Johan Coetzee presented the five finale gowns, designed specifically for the glittering event and the graceful finalists.  

Coetzee, who is no stranger to designing stunning couture gowns, stated that the handmade pieces took seven women over 2000 hours to craft.  

“In creating the final gowns for the Miss South Africa top 5, I’ve drawn inspiration from the captivating diversity of our country. South Africa’s spirit, especially embodied by its incredible women, is a wellspring of inspiration,” says Coetzee.  “These gowns are a testament to the power of unity – just as countless individual beads come together to form these dresses, our rainbow nation’s strength shines brightest when we stand together.” 

Known for his elaborate beading and intricate details, the designer noted the values woven into every gown, “Hundreds and thousands of beads, each unique in its own right, joining forces to create something truly breathtaking. Each bead, like a voice in our society, contributes to the beauty and grandeur of the whole. Just as Miss South Africa stands for unity and positive change, these gowns stand as a shimmering reminder that our collective strength is unparalleled when we unite.” 

As these Gert-Johan Coetzee gowns graced the stage, audiences were captivated by the stunning craftsmanship and how the intricate details woven into each gown echo the threads of our society, celebrating our shared history and our journey towards oneness.

These gowns aren’t mere clothing; they’re living symbols of South Africa’s heart and soul, a radiant example of what can be achieved when unique elements come together in perfect harmony.