Miss Suprantional South Africa 2025 Lebohang Raputsoe has passed down her crown to successor Shannon Benting — and she made sure the handover came with a heartfelt message.

In an Instagram post on 8 June, Raputsoe wrote: "Congratulations @shannonbenting, this is YOUR time. You've done so well, I wish you blessings, strength and success on your journey. You're richly blessed, gorgeous, intelligent and such a great person. Your heart will open up so many doors for you. Have fun, stay true to self and keep smiling, thriving and shining."

She added: "I can't wait to see you continue to shine in Poland next month."

Benting, a content creator and model, was crowned Miss Supranational SA on 6 June. She'll represent South Africa at the Miss Supranational pageant on 31 July at the Strzelecki Park Amphitheatre in Nowy Sącz, Poland. The current global titleholder is Brazil's Eduarda Braum, who'll pass her crown to her successor next month.

Raputsoe represented South Africa at Miss Supranational 2025. Her post was filled with warmth and encouragement for the new queen.

Benting responded in the comments: "Thank you my SUPRA SISTER! ❤️🇿🇦👑. You represented our nation with so much grace & excellence, I'm honored to continue carrying the legacy. Poland, here we come."

After her win, Benting said she'll be representing every young woman in South Africa when she walks that stage.

"Representing South Africa at Miss Supranational 2026 is a moment I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. I've worked hard, dreamed big and stayed grounded in my purpose, and this feels like confirmation that showing up with authenticity and intention truly matters," she said.

She continued: "I don't take this responsibility lightly. I'm walking onto that stage in Poland not just for myself, but for every young woman in South Africa who's been told that where she comes from is a limitation rather than a launching pad. I want her to see me and believe that it's possible for her too."

Benting now has just over a month to prepare for the international competition. The Miss Supranational pageant is one of the Big Four international beauty pageants, alongside Miss World, Miss Universe, and Miss Grand International. South Africa has a strong history at the event — former winners include Miss Supranational 2019 Anntonia Porsild (who's Danish but spent part of her childhood in SA) and several top placements.

All eyes will be on Benting as she carries the South African flag to Poland next month.