Margaret Gardiner (Miss Universe)

“Miss Universe 1978, Margaret Gardiner makes her comeback at the globally acclaimed Miss Universe stage,Kamogelo Makhura,(Oct 29, 2024) retrieved 2025-04-05”

“The whole world is watching. Know your message. Speak your truth. Believe in the possibility of destiny and make it yours.”

“I give her the same advice I’d give any contestant from any country. Know your worth. Stand tall. Use your voice. This is your moment to shine, to inspire, to connect with the world.”

“A lot of contestants don’t smile. Smiling is an immediate invitation and message of connection. I look for people who do not give me the answer they have been coached to give me. You won the title to represent your country by being you. Be your best, give and receive, and have fun.”

“It's always inner quality. A glow that encompasses a personality and intellect that surprises you, intrigues you and makes you reconsider a known”

“Finding someone who can wear the crown, connect with people and navigate what the world throws at you while inspiring too, is an exciting prospect. However, I'm also thrilled to return to Mexico.”

“It is such a huge honour. I was crowned a lifetime ago. Almost half a century ago. To be entrusted to help change another young girl’s life is not just a gift but a responsibility”

“Beauty is the combination of mind, body, soul, the desire to be your best and bring out the best in others”

“One of the most exciting aspects of the evolution of representing South Africa internationally is the inclusivity that encompasses the diversity of beauty”

“Margaret Gardiner Looks Back on Her Reign as Miss Universe,Staff Writer, (December 9, 2024), retrieved 2025-04-05”

“I wanted to honour the countries I visited. There’s tradition and protocol. I travelled with a World Almanac. It’s books that were printed before computers that you could carry in your purse. They had the history of each country so I’d read up on the plane. Almost always someone in the press would ask about a political hot potato at my reception at the airport upon arrival. I was never caught off guard.”

“Being there. The scenario was like a movie. SA was not welcomed by the world. I entered to help publicise the first multi-racial pageant. Won it. The pageant was held at a time of strained relations for SA, although the people accepted me and loved me as an individual.”