Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar is scared of tripping on stage at the Miss Universe 2009

Miss South Africa hopes to bring home title

Tatum Keshwar says she is ready to give the other 86 Miss Universe contestants “a run for their money” — but is scared of tripping on stage.

Keshwar, who is to represent South Africa at the 58th annual Miss Universe pageant in the Bahamas on August 23, is scheduled to leave for the Paradise Islands on Friday July 31.

She will compete against beauties from countries such as New Zealand, Spain, Venezuela and India.

The current Miss Universe, Venezuelan beauty Dayana Mendoza, will hand over the title.

Despite the stiff competition, Keshwar told she hoped to bring the crown home.

“I am slightly nervous and I can feel the pressure of wanting to make everyone proud. My biggest fear of being around 86 beautiful girls is falling on stage and disappointing the country at the pageant,” she said.

The competition has already become contentious. Entrants from Sri Lanka, Northern Marianas, St Vincent and Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago have withdrawn due to lack of sponsorship.

They have been replaced with entrants from four other countries, Norway, Curaçao, Lebanon and Turkey.

After a two-year absence, Sweden will be represented at this year’s pageant.

During her month-long stay in the Bahamas, Keshwar will be dressed by some of South Africa’s best designers.

The likes of Malcolm Klûk CGDT, Katherine Kidger, Gerrit Pienaar, Kendril Vermeulen and Haroun Hansrot are designing outfits for the various events that Keshwar will attend before the pageant.

On her visit to the Rain Forest Theatre at the Wyndham Hotel, she will wear a design by South African RjKayn inspired by Zulu bridal dress.

On the night of the pageant, during which the beauties will be judged in swimwear and evening gowns , Keshwar will wear a JJ Schoeman cerise frilled dress decorated with Swarovski crystals.

Later, she will appear in a mint- green and silver gown by Charlene Sauerman.

“I am definitely spoilt for choice with all the different dresses that I will be taking with me to the island, and I love every single one of them,” she said.

Keshwar’s friends and family will attend the pageant in the Bahamas to support her.