Representing South Africa on the world stage was a dream come true for UJ alumna Bryoni Govender. “I felt so privileged to be able to wear my country across my heart and to take people on a journey through our diversity and resilience. It was just an honour for me to have that opportunity.” She said one of the biggest lessons she learned from taking part in Miss Universe was that only you can define how you show up to your situations. The 27-year-old raised the flag high as she competed against 84 other women for the coveted Miss Universe title, which took place in November 2023 in San Salvador, El Salvador. Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios won the title. Govender made it to the Top 20 of the competition and was named one of the Top 10 silver finalists in Miss Universe 2023’s Voice For Change, where she spoke about her advocacy campaign Her Way Out. “I definitely worked hard and expected more for myself but the journey does not stop there and it is now up to me to continue the legacy that has been created.” Govender will continue to work with Miss South Africa, fulfilling her duties as the first runner-up to current Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert. It was during her studies at UJ in 2018 that she entered the pageant for the first time making it to the Top 12. “It was quite difficult balancing my studies and the competition because I was in my penultimate year of my Law studies so I took some time off to focus on Miss South Africa because on its own, it is a full-time job that requires all your attention. I had explained it to my lecturers and they understood and helped me finish the rest of my studies.” Govender decided to wait a few more years before trying her luck once more with the pageant. “I wanted first to prioritise my education and the purpose I had set out for myself, which was to become an attorney. By the time I entered again, I knew the power of what it takes to be a Miss South Africa and the importance of having a voice of relevance.” UJ ALUMNA BRYONI GOVENDER REFLECTS ON MISS UNIVERSE JOURNEY AND ADVOCACY FOR WOMEN’S LEGAL RIGHTS
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