Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert to host Crown Chasers  

By CityLife Arts Writer

Reigning Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert makes her television series debut as the host of the six-part Miss South Africa reality show, Crown Chasers, which starts on S3 on Saturday, June 29, at 20h30.

In the 6 x 60-minute series the Miss South Africa contestants are placed in real life scenarios that include challenges based on the four pillars of Miss South Africa – duty, championship, empowerment and beauty. A challenge winner will be chosen each week.

In addition, at the end of each thrilling episode, the judges will vote off one of the contestants, with those remaining going through to participate in the live grand finale at the SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria on August 10.

Speaking of her role in the series, Joubert says: “I am delighted that my first opportunity to host a television show is with Crown Chasers. I have always wanted to step into the hosting and presenting space – one day I would love to be a sports presenter – so my goal has always been to get experience in the television field. Although hosting hasn’t always been easy and has been challenging at times, I am growing more confident as filming progresses and I am becoming more comfortable. This is something I am definitely going to pursue after my reign ends in August.”

Joubert explains what viewers can expect in this season of the popular programme which gives viewers a glimpse behind the scenes of the contestants’ Miss South Africa journey and presents a fresh perspective when it comes to pageantry.

“This season will once again offer something different. We will be changing up the challenges each week so that the person who eventually takes the crown will be equipped for her new role. For me, this is the purpose of Crown Chasers – to expect the unexpected when it comes to what Miss South Africa is. It’s not just about glitz and glamour but it is a really hard and demanding job. Viewers are going to get to know the contestants and see them develop and grow week-on-week and see who we get those who make it to the live finale.”

And Joubert’s advice to the contestants?

“Expect something totally out of your comfort zone and be prepared for something different each week. If you’re not challenged during this process, then something is wrong. You need to be open to knowing that there are going to be lows and highs and that you are going to go back to your room and feel that perhaps you are not ready to be Miss South Africa. But that’s when you know that you are growing and that you are pushing yourself. At the end I promise you that you will know more about yourself,” Joubert explains.

“Having taken part in Crown Chasers myself, I remind the contestants every day that it is tough and they may often be sleep deprived but that they should be as authentic as they can and not put up any form of façade. What I am loving already is that, although the contestants are in a competition, they are so incredibly supportive of each other and are building true friendships. Viewers are going to enjoy getting to know them.”

Download the Miss South Africa app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.

Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International. S3 is the official broadcast partner.

What a difference five years makes!

Nompumelelo Maduna discusses how both she and the Miss South Africa Organisation have changed, and why she’s back in the race for the crown

Zozibini Tunzi made a definite impression on Nompumelelo Maduna when they met for the first time in 2019. The occasion was the photoshoot of that year’s Miss South Africa Top 35 where both were announced as semi-finalists. That year Tunzi was crowned Miss South Africa 2019 and went on to take the Miss Universe crown; Maduna went on to make the Top 5.

Recalls Maduna: “Even then she had a pure and calm energy surrounding her. At the first meeting, Zozi seemed to be quite conservative and the first thing you noticed was her beautiful smile. She definitely had a presence.”

Twenty-eight-year-old Maduna – who comes from Rockville in Soweto – has entered the Miss South Africa competition again this year and made the Top 30. Although only five years have passed, Maduna says it feels like a lifetime ago.

“So much has evolved with this incredible organisation. It feels like longer than five years but my determination to take the crown hasn’t changed. I have always dreamt of becoming a Miss South Africa; the empowering women who have worn the crown have inspired me to one day walk in their shoes.

“Bokang (Montjane, Miss South Africa 2010) gave us a talk as 2019 semi-finalists and left such an impression when she said ‘giving back is the best selfish act of kindness’. This resonated with me so much and I converted it into action through community engagement. Now being in the Top 30 means that I have an opportunity to write a new chapter that is championed by a deeper purpose – to empower young women of South Africa,” she says.

Maduna says both she and the Miss South Africa Organisation have developed in half a decade.

“The Miss South Africa Organisation has enhanced its impact by reaching a more diverse group of women, which allows for a bigger community impact which is also more sustainable. It has broken many of the pageant stereotypes that have existed in the world for decades. It has redefined wearing the crown through actioned strategies that really make a difference. It is such a privilege to be part of it once again.”

Mpume – as she is known by her friends – says she has also grown.

“I think this time around I really know who I am as a person. I want to show my authentic and true self, which includes being vulnerable. I’ve dedicated the last five years to personal development; running charitable activations, pursuing my Master’s in Marketing at the University of Johannesburg and working closely with young women to assist with access to higher education and career opportunities.”

Maduna is still close friends with 2019 Top 35 contestant Zanele Phakathi: “We bonded and it’s not only because we both were representing Soweto! She is now working in the tech space; I love to watch my girl grow. I hope that she might decide to enter Miss South Africa again, too.”

Download the Miss South Africa app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.

Viewers will get to meet the finalists in Crown Chasers, the thrilling reality TV show which introduces South African viewers to those vying to take the crown from the current incumbent, Natasha Joubert. The six-part series starts on S3 on June 29, 2024, at 20h30.