Model Levern José has once again captured the attention of the pageant world by securing a spot in the Miss Grand South Africa 2025 finals. This comeback comes after José was a top 12 finalist in the Miss South Africa competition in 2023 but withdrew amidst accusations of high school bullying.
In a recent interview with The Citizen, José expressed her excitement and empowerment at returning to the world of pageantry. She shared that she has learned and grown significantly since 2023, and feels more prepared and connected to bring her authentic self to the stage.
José reflected on the challenges she faced in 2023, emphasizing that they were stepping stones to resilience and transformation. She believes that setbacks are setups for comebacks and that obstacles can be turned into opportunities for greatness with growth, grace, and determination.
Addressing the past allegations of bullying, José now views pageantry as a platform for driving transformation and advocacy. She emphasized that it’s about more than just crowns, but also about purpose, advocacy, and being a voice for change. José’s changed perspective aligns perfectly with the values of the Miss Grand South Africa organization.
As a peacebuilder with LOPECO and an active member of Rotary, José sees the pageant platform as a natural extension of her advocacy work. She is aligned with the organization’s focus on the ‘Stop the War and Violence’ campaign and hopes to amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage, advocate for peacebuilding initiatives, and inspire others to live boldly and authentically through her story.
José’s journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, growth, and authenticity. Her renewed perspective and commitment to advocacy make her a compelling contender for the Miss Grand South Africa 2025 crown. Stay tuned for updates on José’s journey towards the finals and her impactful work as a peacebuilder and advocate for change.