Dallmayr Mrs South Africa 2023 Palesa Matjekane set off on her Mrs World journey over the weekend, heading to Las Vegas in Nevada, America, for a week of pageantry leading up to the preliminary on Friday, 19 January, and the crowning ceremony on Sunday, 21 January 2024.

Upon arriving at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino on Saturday, 13 January, Matjekane joined 38 other contestants from across the globe for a class photoshoot, as well as multiple other shoots throughout the day, followed by an orientation dinner where she donned a stunning African-inspired gown by famed designer Gerrit Pienaar.

“South Africa is known as the rainbow nation. Our blending of diverse cultures and traditions results in a colourful society filled with love and understanding – things I wanted to emulate in my traditional dress. Each contestant also brought along a gift straight from their home country to give to the other contestants. I decided on traditional jewellery,” she said.