Margaret Gardiner was the first South African to be crowned Miss Universe, forty six years ago in Mexico on July 24, 1978.
Her victory marked a significant milestone for South Africa, paving the way for future South African beauty queens, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters in 2017 and Zozibini Tunzi in 2019, to follow in her footsteps.
In a recent Instagram post, Gardiner shared a photo where she walked the stage in our national costume that represented the indigenous ostrich and South Africa’s national flower, the protea.
She said: “This July I celebrate a huge honour in representing my country in Mexico 46 years ago and becoming the first Miss Universe from South Africa. An honour that stood for almost 40 years before I was joined by two incredible women, Demi-Leigh Tebow in 2017 and Zozibini Tunzi in 2019.”
Based in Los Angeles, Margaret is a renowned writer, celebrity, and journalist. She is a familiar face on the red carpets of prestigious events such as the Golden Globes, Oscars, and numerous movie premieres, where she interviews A-list Hollywood stars.
Her visit to South Africa coincides with her preparations for the release of her fictional novel, “Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar”, which will debut in South Africa in March 2025, followed by releases in the USA and the UK.
Margaret’s journey from winning the Miss Universe crown to becoming an esteemed journalist and author is a testament to her enduring grace and talent.
IOL Lifestyle