South African model Tshego Gaelae has made history as the first Black woman to win the Mrs World pageant held in Las Vegas, USA.

Sri Lanka’s Ishadi Amanda was named first runner-up, while Thailand’s Ploy Panperm secured the second runner-up position.

Gaelae celebrated her victory in an emotional Instagram post on Friday, writing: “To God be the glory. Thank you so much for the love and support, I am beyond grateful and elated! My beautiful South Africa, the crown is coming Home.”

Mrs World, established in 1984, is the first international beauty pageant exclusively for married women.

The Mrs South Africa organisation, which supported Gaelae’s journey, also celebrated her success, stating: “From Soweto, to Vegas and now the World, @mrsworldpageant The Crown is Coming Home! Thank you to everyone who supported our Queen on her incredible Journey. 

Thank you to the @mrsworldpageant Organisation and Judges for everything you do, and for Seeing our Queen and her brilliance. What an honour to have a South African Queen as the 40th Anniversary Mrs World, and first ever Black Mrs World.”

Gaelae’s win comes amid rising competition between South Africa and Nigeria in the beauty pageant world.

In 2024, Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, made history as the first Nigerian and West African to finish as the first runner-up at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico City.

Adetshina, who also won the Miss Universe Africa and Oceania title, faced controversy over her South African citizenship, leading to her withdrawal from Miss South Africa before eventually winning Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.