And she’s hoping the country’s mineral wealth will be her lucky charm.

Bam, who will represent one of more than 80 countries competing for the crown, has revealed the two gowns she will be wearing at the event – her national costume and her evening gown – at her farewell party at Sandton’s The Venue in Green Park.

Speaking at the event last night, Bam said she was very excited to be heading to the pageant as it was “the pinnacle of my reign”.

“Usually Miss Universe takes place during the course of the year, but this year it is in December, at the end of my reign, which means I will finish on a high. If I win, many doors will open for me,” she said.

Bam will compete in the Preliminary Competition on December 13, the dress rehearsal will take place on December 14 and the live telecast will happen on December 19.

Bam will wear a green mermaid-style designer garment by Peter Bondesio for her evening wear and a long gold-panelled dress with Swarovski beading and bodice by Go Wild Designs as her national costume.

Her national dress is said to symbolise “South Africa’s mineral wealth; gold, silver, platinum, diamonds and charcoal”.

And with it she will carry a meranti-wooden sceptre with an 18-carat yellow gold-plated Protea-head encrusted with Swarovski crystals.

“South Africa is rich in mineral wealth and the Protea is our national flower, an emblem of beauty and durability.

“My crown illustrates the extraordinary creativity of our people and (is a) modern interpretation of our national coat of arms. Gold wings add stature to the design and the filigree design on the sides gives the crown a feminine touch,” added Bam.