South African Government Withdraws Support For Pageant Queen

The South African government says it is distancing itself from a decision by the Miss South Africa pageant organisers to participate in the annual Miss Universe contest, due to be held next month in Israel. <br />The decision came after growing calls for the reigning Miss South Africa, Lalela Mswane, to boycott the pageant that is scheduled to take place in Eilat on December 12. <br />The arts and culture ministry says it has proven difficult to persuade the Miss SA pageant organisers to reconsider their decision to partake in the Miss Universe event, <br />The government, therefore, withdraws its support following the organisers’ intransigence and disregard of advice.