Adè van Heerden is crowned Miss South Africa 2017

Adè 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. Adè 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, Adè 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."