Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters was crowned Miss Universe on Sunday night in a star-studded ceremony in Las Vegas‚ making her only the second South African to ever win the crown.

She was a firm-favourite going into the competition and‚ as TshisaLIVE previously reported‚ pundits predicated Demi would take the crown.

“There’s the same sense as when Rolene (Strauss) won Miss World. Demi ticks all the boxes and there’s a big buzz around her‚” said an insider at the Miss SA pageant said.

In the first question and answer part of the competition‚ Nel-Peters was asked what the biggest issue facing women around the world is?

Her answer got cheers from the audience.

“Women earn 75% of what men earn doing the same thing. I believe in equal pay for equal work.”

In the last question and answer section for the top three‚ contestants were asked ‘what quality in yourself are you most proud of and how will you apply that quality to your time as Miss Universe?’

Again‚ Nel-Peters owned the answer.

“As Miss Universe you have to be confident in who you are. Miss Universe has to overcome her fears and teach others to do the same. And nothing is ever to0 much to ask for. That is exactly who I am.”

Margaret Gardiner last took the crown in 1978 and SA did not compete in the pageant between 1985 and 1994.

WATCH: Three moments Demi-Leigh nailed the Miss Universe pageant

Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters beat over 96 contestants to become the newly crowned Miss Universe on Sunday night. (Monday morning SA time)

Leading up to the final rounds‚ Demi was a firm favourite. Many pundits applauded her fitness.

When it came to the question and answer section‚ Demi nailed it.

Relive our new #MissUniverse's answer to the Final Word. pic.twitter.com/czO8vgSiuU — Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) November 27, 2017

Holding onto Miss Colombia’s hand as the winner was announced‚ Demi’s reaction was priceless as her name was called.

Congratulations to Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, the winner of the 2017 #MissUniverse competition! pic.twitter.com/JYuQYc3Lvo — Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) November 27, 2017

Demi-Leigh’s first message to SA as Miss Universe: I hope to make you proud

Newly crowned Miss Universe‚ Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters only had words of thanks for South Africans back home shortly after she won the crown in a star-studded ceremony in Las Vegas on Sunday night (Monday morning South African time)

In a voice note sent to TshisaLIVE‚ the beauty queen said she hoped to make South Africa proud.

“South Africa‚ your support has been absolutely incredible. Just know that we haven’t had a Miss Universe in 39 years‚ so this one is for you.”

Demi-Leigh is only the second South African to win the Miss Universe crown and thanked fans for their support.

“I hope to make you proud and I hope to be the physical representation of what a South African young women is. And I can’t say thank you enough for all the support I’ve been receiving.”

The beauty queen was a firm favourite throughout the competition but it was the question and answer section that sealed the deal.

Miss Jamaica was crowned second princess while Miss Colombia took home the first princess title.

Demi wore a gold embellished Anel Botha design.

Former Miss SA and Miss World‚ Rolene Strauss‚ congratulated her friend on the win.

By: Jessica Levitt

Source: TMG Digital.