She also held the title for the longest in SA pageant history- 16 months until she has crowned Rolene Strauss on 30 March 2014 as her successor.
However, Melinda Bam did pay homage to her country and the title that she held in the form of a video montage that was aired on the night of the finale.
No one was sending out Press Releases of my doings, creating the warped perception that I wasn't fulfilling my duties as Miss SA.
With minimal support once again, it came down to my parents and family drives (to raise money) to pay for almost everything, including 90 outfits (gowns, national costumes etc.
My family and I had only 4 weeks in between the two international competitions to prepare for Miss Universe, a time frame any industry expert will tell you is almost impossible to achieve.
Perhaps the absence of a South African Director played a role while 99% of all contestants had someone from the national organization present for meetings, events and the final show.