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The search has started for the dynamic woman who will follow in the footsteps of current Miss South Africa, Natasha Joubert, and become one of the country’s most recognisable faces and prominent ambassadors.
Entries for Miss South Africa 2024 opened on Thursday 2 May and will close at 18:00 on Wednesday 8 May.
South Africans will once again get to know the finalists through the fascinating Miss SA reality competition television show, Crown Chasers, which will broadcast on SABC3.
The finalists competing in Crown Chasers will be placed in real life scenarios that include challenges based on the four pillars of Miss SA – duty, championship, empowerment and beauty.
By the end of each episode, a winner will be chosen by the resident judging panel as well as a weekly celebrity guest judge. In addition, the judges will vote off one of the finalists at the end of each episode, with the remaining contestants going through to participate in the live grand finale in August.
Joubert has some pertinent advice to those entering the competition this year. “As someone who has entered the pageant twice, the most important factor is to know yourself well, both emotionally and mentally,” she advised.
“An entrant must know their strong suits and what their weaknesses are, and examine how they respond to pressure, negativity or confrontation. It is something they must be aware of and work at it; they can’t just focus on their wardrobe or advocacy. Self-awareness is critical.
“When a judge asks a personal question, are you in a place to explain your qualities, your values and your morals? It’s up to you to showcase yourself, so know your soul very well and deeply.”
Joubert recounted that simple questions such as “tell us about yourself” or even “what is your favourite colour” initially caught her off guard.
“Sometimes I would think that some of the questions were really simple, but I soon realised the judges were gauging how well we knew ourselves,” she related.
“You have to examine how you behave and react when placed in a stressful situation or when you’re tired or when you travel a lot. At these times, do you know how you respond? Going into Miss SA you have to be completely transparent and open with yourself. It makes the process so much easier.”
So what are the qualities the reigning queen believes a Miss South Africa should possess?
“Definitely a strong and highly motivated work ethic,” Joubert said, “it is a demanding job with an often gruelling schedule. You have to know how to manage and navigate your time and to make sure you do everything to the best of your ability. I was a business owner before being crowned and it still challenged me and made me look at how I could do things better while bettering myself.
“However, other qualities such as being spontaneous also stand you in good stead. I am someone who always liked to plan something to the nth degree, but in this job there are always last-minute changes so you have to learn to adapt. You also have to be kind and patient as you deal with so many people with different personalities. Have grace with people and be composed. You also must always be authentic and know how to have fun! You have to show your own personality whether on a TV show or interacting with the public.”
Has being Miss SA lived up to her expectations? “Definitely, and it has exceeded them as well as the opportunities I have been given. I went to Paris Fashion Week and travelled to Australia for a big campaign. I have been able to implement my educational advocacy and meet students who have benefited from it. There is something different every week. I could never have made this happen by myself without this platform and I am extremely grateful. I have always gone in with the mindset of making the most of it.”
She urged those lucky enough to become finalists to embrace Crown Chasers. “I want to give a few tips for the finalists when it comes to Crown Chasers, as many people are not familiar with the process of the television reality show. 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 SA. But that’s when you know you are growing and are pushing yourself. At the end I promise you you will know more about yourself.”
There has only been one change to this year’s rules and requirements. Finalists from the preceding year may not enter the following year. This means that a finalist from 2023 may enter the competition again only in 2025.
Once again, married women and those with children will be allowed to enter. An applicant must be at least 20 years old and must be under 30 on 13 August 2024. This means an applicant can turn 30 within the year of her reign (starting August 2024). There are also no height or weight specifications or requirements.
Entrants are required to post their entry video on social media by using #MissSA2024 and tagging Miss South Africa and Crown Chasers on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Applicants have to enter via the online entry form along with their entry video on social media.
Those who wish to enter can simply do so on the Miss SA app (under the “enter now” tab) or visit www.misssa.co.za, answer the questions, upload entry pictures (one head-and-shoulders and one full-body image) and the link to their entry video. Those wishing to enter should join the preparation live sessions that will be hosted on Miss SA’s social media channels.
- Further details can be found online at www.misssa.co.za.
