GlobalBeauties.com - Miss Universe® 2007 Special

Megan Coleman has been billed as the 49th Miss South Africa and, in the build-up to the night of her crowning, the local press gave much emphasis to the hopes of the country for the new titleholder to achieve success in the international pageant arena. Indeed, it was written that organizers intended crowning a winner “based on the criteria of the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants. Word on the ground at Sun City was that they want a winner who isn't necessarily the most beautiful woman in South Africa, but the most beautiful woman on the planet.” (Therese Owen).

GB- How has your childhood and upbringing influenced the woman you’ve become?
Miss South Africa - I come from a very close-knit family and we're intimately bonded by both our loyalty and beliefs.

My parents (Fay and John) chose as a home for their family a smallholding in the green hills outside Durban; which has indirectly kept me fairly level-headed and grounded.

I grew up in gumboots, cleaning my horse's stable; something that no one would imagine upon meeting me at media events and groomed as Miss South Africa.

I attended school in Hillcrest where I was a prefect and swimming captain. Health and fitness have always been important to me. After school I headed to Canada to spend six months traveling and visiting family, before returning to South Africa to enroll for a degree in communications and marketing.

A few weeks ago I was allowed some ‘time off from being Miss South Africa to return to Durban for my graduation. Next year I'm considering a move to Cape Town to study advertising. I have definite goals in life and intend working consistently to achieve these.

GB- What are you hobbies and interests?
Miss South Africa - Aside from horse-riding, which has been a passion since childhood; I'm also a pianist and, being from Durban, love the beach and watersports. The last time I went waterskiing I think a number of eyebrows might have been raised; perhaps there was a fear that Miss South Africa might end up with either a neck-brace or cast for a few weeks!

GB- Did you expect to win Miss South Africa?
Miss South Africa - (laughs) No! Not at all! I happened to take part in an incredibly strong and competitive year. Before the night of the final, the media had already named a few “firm favourites.”

Afterwards, some of the judges complimented me for having very fresh and sincere answers. I have a very definite opinion, stick to it and am forthright when talking to people; no clichés for me!

Miss South Africa - The Miss South Africa pageant is owned by the resort chain, Sun International. Sun International has various establishments not only throughout South Africa, but globally.

As part of their support of the redevelopment and growth of South Africa, Sun International has invested heavily in contributing towards alleviating the HIV Aids crisis in South Africa.

The Tapologo Hospice is an example of their incredible support. Posit+ve is a spectacular creative venture combining various art forms: fashion, music, art. The proceeds from the activities and events are channeled directly to Tapologo and other compassionate charities.

GB- What is the greatest problem facing your country and what would you like done about it?
Miss South Africa - South Africa’s probably best known for having peacefully overturned apartheid (legally enforced racial segregation), infusing within its people a deep sense of national pride and victory. However, the free and fair elections of 1994 are not sufficient in themselves.

So, although South Africa has a rich history, in many ways it is also like a new country, facing the problems of any emerging nation – education, housing, employment, health, crime. My own hope is for South Africans to use the hope they felt on that first election day. South Africans need to draw on their optimism and confidence; despite the challenges we have yet to overcome.

GB- What is the most important thing you have done to prepare for Miss Universe?
Miss South Africa - People overseas might not know that being Miss South Africa is a full-time job. It's a professional position which comes with a range of managerial and administrative responsibilities, but instead of working just within an office environment, my schedule calls me to all reaches of the country. I can travel to Cape Town, the Eastern Cape and Durban all within a single week!

These demands really have given me insight into what it must be like as a Miss Universe. There are obligations and duties to fulfill. The media tends to glamourize the position as mainly sophisticated evening events receive coverage. I know that there is much, much more to being a successful and effective titleholder.

GB - Share something about your Miss Universe wardrobe –
Miss South Africa - I approached the design team Malcolm Klûk and Christiaan Gabriel du Toit (Klûk CGdT), based in Cape Town, for my official competition evening gown, after I fell in love with the deep red outfit they created for me to wear in the official Posit+ve posters (SEE PICTURES).

We had much fun on the set of the photo shoot, posing with a saxophone and antique microphone.

Malcolm and Christiaan are very accomplished. They've just returned from showing at Moscow Fashion Week in Russia. I appreciate their expertise and knowledge of international fashion trends.
Designer JJ Schoeman co-ordinated the National Costume. It's an elegant representation of South African fashion and culture. The diagonal divide across the bodice contains thousands of Xhosa beads in the colours of the South African flag. I like that it is such a multi-faceted, multi-layered ensemble; much like the people I'll be representing.

In addition to these official outfits, various other South African designers have contributed towards my Miss Universe wardrobe. I’m grateful to each.

GB - Which of the other 2007 contestants are you most looking forward to meeting?
Miss South Africa - Probably Miss Canada (Inge Skaya) and Miss USA (Rachel Smith)! As said, I've traveled around Canada and would love to discuss my impressions with someone who experiences that country first-hand.

It is for much the same reason that I'd love to meet Miss USA. Apparently she has spent time in South Africa and I'm keen to hear the views from a foreign visitor about the land I'm so devoted to.