Pretoria - There was an added touch of glamour at President Jacob Zuma's residence on Friday when Miss South Africa Nicole Flint paid the country's first citizen a visit.
Dressed in a long-sleeved white satin shirt and a black skirt, topped off with black heels, Flint, who will represent South Africa at the Miss Universe competition in August, impressed Zuma not only with her beauty but with her community work and passion for education.
Flint was equally impressed with the President, saying it was an honour to have met with Zuma.
"This is such a great time for me to represent my country to the best of ability," Flint said.
Miss South Africa added that she would take the legacy of the country with her when she competed with at the Miss Universe competition in Las Vegas on 23 August.
Flint told the President that if she was crowned Miss Universe she would use the opportunity to promote her interests in HIV and AIDS education, research and legislation.
Zuma said his meeting with Miss South Africa revealed that they were both passionate about education and that Flint had agreed to participate in the 1 Goal: Education for All campaign.
"I'm very happy that we have young people who think seriously about the future of the country. It is good that beauty goes together good thinking," the President said.
Zuma wished Flint well at the Miss Universe pageant, adding the whole of South Africa was behind her.
He assured her that she would have the same support that Bafana Bafana received when she showcased the beauty of South Africa to the world.
Inevitably, the discussion turned to the World Cup and the national team's possible early exit.
Flint said she was "behind Bafana Bafana all the way to the end".
Zuma stressed that South Africa should focus on its achievement on and off the soccer field.
He said when it came to a competition there had to be a winner and loser but what was important was that the team that lost was gracious in defeat.
"We as South Africans have an advantage above all the countries participating in the World Cup in that we are hosting the tournament. That in itself means that we have won the cup," Zuma said.
However, the President warned not to write off Bafana Bafana as yet.
"Bafana Bafana has one match to play and they are going to deal with the French, don't worry. We are confident. They are going to show them what South Africans are made of."
