Durban Welcomes the World as 84 Mrs Universe Contestants Jet in

Durban today rolled out the red carpet and gave the world a taste of KwaZulu-Natal’s trademark warm hospitality as it officially welcomed international Mrs Universe contestants to the South African province.

Women from more than 80 countries will compete for the Mrs Universe crown at Durban’s Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 2 September 2017.

Durban clinched the rights to host the activist-themed, global women empowerment event for the first time in Africa. Unlike similar events, Mrs Universe is a women empowerment initiative that acknowledges married women between the ages of 25 and 45 who are doing phenomenal work to enhance their local communities.

The women have a full seven-day programme that involves taking in the sights and sounds of KZN, the #OneVoice march on 30 August against gender-violence, child abuse and human trafficking; and visiting schools in the greater Durban area to inspire children and encourage the importance of education.

Simultaneous #OneVoice marches will be held around the country, and the world, by supporters who can’t be in Durban.

The event’s Hosting Director (and local Durban resident), Tracey-Anne Aggett, says: “We’ve been truly humbled by the support. The interest from men and women across the country has been overwhelming and inspirational. People want their voices heard and action to be taken.”

Speaking at a media briefing on Friday, Aggett also promised that the final will be a “celebration of women and a celebration of Africa” and that the night of glitz and glamour will be “a night that Durban will remember and the world will marvel at!”

Photos from Friday’s Mrs Universe media briefing