NEW YORK, NY, February 15, 2012 – Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes arrives in Johannesburg, South Africa tomorrow making this her first visit to the country since winning the title in September 2011. On arrival she will be welcomed by Miss South Africa 2011 Melinda Bam who was crowned in December 2011 at a glitzy red carpet event in Sun City. During her visit, Lopes, who hails from Angola, will attend a launch event for African Fashion International on Thursday, February 16 in support of Joburg Fashion Week 2012, which is scheduled to take place next month. She will also take time to visit one of Melinda Bam’s supported charities- Thuthuzela, an NGO which looks after abandoned and orphaned children in Alexandra Township.
Miss South Africa 2011 Melinda Bam and Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes have also been confirmed to attend the State of the Province Address by Honourable Thandi Modise, Premier of the North-West, on Friday, February 17 at the North-West University, Mafikeng Campus.
As Miss Angola, Lopes walked the runway for South African Designer David Tlale during Joburg Fashion Week 2011 featuring his Fall/Winter Collection. Lopes lands in South Africa on the heels of making her debut at New York Fashion Week where she walked for Designer Rolando Santana and SACHIKA earlier this week. The Angolan beauty is currently on the cover of the February/March 2012 issue of “New African Woman” Magazine.
For all other inquiries regarding Miss Universe, please contact Brenda Mendoza, Director of Public Relations for Miss Universe Organization, at bmendoza@missuniverse.com or and Sue Klerck, Marketing Executive for Sun International, at sue.klerck@zasuninternational.com
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