The model who hails from Western Cape Province recently earned a business management degree from North-West University.

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Peters in a video posted on the Miss Universe website said her passion for self-defence was reinforced when she was hijacked and held at gunpoint about a month after winning her title as Miss South Africa.

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Peters also revealed she has been preparing to be an actress since the age of 16. After graduating from a performing arts school, she moved to Bogotá to build her career.

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The runner-up was Miss Colombia, Laura Gonzalez and second runner-up was Miss Jamaica, Davina Bennett.

Ninety-two women from around the world participated in the decades-old competition. This year’s edition had the most contestants ever.

22-year-old Nel-Peters will earn a yearlong salary, a luxury apartment in New York City for the duration of her reign and more prizes.

Last year, Iris Mittenaere from France was crowned when the pageant took place in the Philippines.