After the arrival of the contestants on 16th November, the 58th Miss World Festival kicked off with a spectacular welcome dinner. Hosted by the City of Joburg (CoJ) and Joburg Tourism Company (JTC) and, held at the Sandton Convention Centre (SCC) - as the city officially welcomed the contestants.

The contestants went to the capital city of South Africa, Pretoria where they visited Freedom Park, and were entertained at a Provincial Welcome Function.

Given the historic background of Soweto - being the home of Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Steve Biko, Tsietsi Mashinini and many others from the struggle era - it was important that the girls visited this iconic township.

On the 19th November, they convened at the world-famous Vilakazi street, the only street in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize Winners resided (Archbishop Emeritus Tutu and Nelson Mandela), where they dined at Sakhumzi restaurant. With the ladies having been shown around heritage sites, it was time to bring them up to speed with modern-day Soweto. All branded in black Soweto T-shirts, they were entertained by local Kwaito (local music genre) artist Zola 7.

World Aids Day - With South Africa amongst the most affected countries by the HIV/Aids pandemic, it came as a welcome gesture when reigning Miss World, Zilin Zhang and Miss South Africa, Tansey Coetzee, visited the Dudu Zwane Hospice in Malvern Johannesburg. Accompanied by six other Miss South Africa finalists, Miss World 2007 lit a candle in commemoration of World Aids Day and pledged support for the hospice.

A jewellery show hosted by Radio 2000, African Romance and African Fashion International on the 4th of December, displaying their beautifully designed African inspired jewellery. The show was staged in the Sandton Sun, Official Home of Miss World Johannesburg 2008 and guests were treated to a jewellery display that showed off the hitherto hidden talents South African jewellery designers.

6th December - Children’s Christmas party at Joburg zoo and Miss World charity and Ambassadors Ball:

The day began with a visit to the Joburg zoo, where a Christmas party was staged for 500 underprivileged children from neighbouring townships and suburbs. The contestants excelled in playing hosts to the children and many endearing friendships were formed in the short time they spent together.

At the Charity and Ambassadors Ball a Charity auction was staged where items brought along by the contestants from their native countries were auctioned off with the proceeds going to charity causes around the city.

WINNER - RUSSIA - Kseniya SUKHINOVA

The 2008 Beauty with a Purpose Award was presented to Trinidad and Tobago's Gabrielle Walcott, for her work with the Just Because Foundation in raising funds to set up the first ever paediatric speciality unit in the English-speaking Caribbean, dedicated to treating and caring for children with cancer.

Watch the Miss World 2008 Beauty with a Purpose projects here

The contestants proved that being beautiful is not their only virtue, with breathtaking dance, musical, singing and variety acts put on for an appreciative audience of 400 children disadvantaged areas and homes. The contestants stunned everyone with their talents and the children were especially thrilled to attend a well rehearsed and thoroughly enjoyable show.

The sweet voice of the winner Miss Barbados enthralled the audience, and she was particularly thrilled because she became the first contestant from Barbados to reach the semi-finals of Miss World 2008 by winning this fast-track event.

The 2008 fashion show and Top Model contest was hosted by African Fashion International, in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture.

Hosted by the Gauteng Department of Sports, Art and Culture in Muldersdrift, the Miss World Sportswoman contest saw the contestants compete in a number of sporting and fun disciplines, to decide the ultimate Miss World Sportswoman for 2008. A great time was had by all and the camaraderie and team spirit was evident throughout the day full of fierce competition.

Contestants made their way to Durban on 26th November, to participate in the Miss World Beach Beauty Contest, where the winner would receive automatic entry into the semi-finals. Of particular significance about the show is the fact that the contestants were all clad in South African designed swimwear, courtesy of the collaboration between African Fashion International (AFI) and the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC). The final took place at Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga.