Ad� van Heerden is crowned Miss South Africa 2017

Ad� van Heerden was crowned the new Miss South Africa in light of Demi-Leigh Nel's recent win at the Miss Universe Pageant in November this year. Ad� was placed in the Top 10 at the Miss World pageant where she competed as Miss World South Africa. She was also announced winner of Beauty with a Purpose along with four other contestants.

The 26-year-old is a medical doctor and second lieutenant in the South African Military Health Services in Cape Town. During her Miss South Africa reign, Ad� would like to continue to focus on mental health issues, particularly amongst young women. She added: "The role of Miss South Africa is ever-evolving and women in our generation are stepping into important leadership positions on all fronts. I believe that I am representative of the 'new and upcoming' generation of women in our country. We are smart, assertive and informed, but also empathetic and caring. This reflects in my calling as a doctor in the military - I'm not afraid to stand my ground on a physical or emotional level. I hope to lead as dynamically and as open mindedly as I live my life."