As Miss South Africa 2021 and Miss Supranational 2022, beauty queen Lalela Mswane is no stranger to competition, so it’s no surprise that the 12th instalment of Tropika Island of Treasure is right in her wheelhouse.
The South African sat down with 28-year-old Mswane as she prepares for the tough physical and mental challenge ahead.
You are used to a different kind of competitive environment. Are you ready for this kind of challenge?
I really am. I’m at that point in my life where I wanna do things that are out of the box, things that I wouldn’t ordinarily do. And I mean, it’s not the typical type of competition I would be a part of. But a competition is a competition, and I have to win.
Are you athletic?
I’m very athletic. In primary school, I was the fastest runner at my school. I think overall, my willpower scares me. I will do anything and everything I set my mind to. So, beyond being athletic, the mind is my strength.
What is it about the setup of this challenge that you are most excited about?
I’ve never done anything like it. I’m just looking to try new things to immerse myself in. And also an opportunity to push myself. Any opportunity to engage in anything novel, anything foreign to me, I will tackle with both hands.
And the time away is not going to be a challenge in itself for you?
No, no. As Miss Supra, when I won that competition, I was hardly home. I lived in different parts of the world for a few weeks at a time, so what’s another three weeks?
Do you have a favourite season or competitor(s) from past seasons that made a mark on you?
I think my favourite season has to be Season 11… the winners were truly underdogs in the real sense. From the beginning, they were the “weakest links”, but fate had it that they got paired up together. And just seeing how they championed was absolutely incredible. And if I could get a partner with that tenacity… goodness!
If you could choose anyone to be partnered with, whether it’s someone you already know or someone on your wishlist, who would it be and why?
My brother. He is emotionally, intellectually, and physically fit. He is that man. He’s so dependable. But also, getting to know my fellow celebrities, we have such a fun time and so many strong attributes that I would look for in a teammate. So if I could choose, any one of them would be a good choice.
Were you friends with any of the other celebrities before now?
No, I met them through this process. But if you see us hanging out with each other, you would think we’ve known each other. Like Amanda, Caster and I just clicked.
Any particular fear you hope will not be challenged?
No. I’m generally not a fearful person… wait, I’m lying. My number one phobia in life is rodents. If we have any challenge with a rat or something like that, I think I will pass away.
Do you have a dream destination you would like to do this show at?
Ideally, a place I haven’t visited, as Bali has been on my bucket list. But the majority of the islands on the list I have visited. Bali or Reunion.
Do you have a lucky charm or emotional support item you want to take with you?
I have lucky shoes in my line of work. Every time I’ve won something, I’m wearing those particular shoes. And because they are heels, I can’t make use of them here. So I don’t have a lucky charm for this, and it’s fine.
What strengths do you think will put you above the rest of your competitors?
Willpower, tenacity. Once I’ve told myself I’m going to do something, [I see it through]. And also, once a person tells me that I can’t do something, then they must really want to see me succeed at it.