As all roads lead to Miss South Africa this weekend, stylists and the wardrobe department are crying foul as organisers have alleged fumbled wardrobe plans for the three top-billing faces. ZiMoja has since learned that drama is brewing behind the scenes as beauty queen Zozibini Tunzi, who presents the reality show Crown Chasers, is expected to pay for her own wardrobe bill. The show is presented by TV personality Bonang Matheba, former Miss Universe Zozibini, and actress Leandie du Randt.

PRODUCTION WON’T PAY

Highly placed sources told ZiMoja that people are complaining that professionals being exploited after organisers refused to pay people who are involved in the wardrobe department. A well-known fashion stylist who was commissioned by the show to style Zozi was told at the last minute that he won’t be getting paid by Miss SA. According to the stylist, who spoke on condition of anonymity fearing victimisation, he was told to invoice Zozi directly. �"That was not part of our agreement. I was working as a stylist for the show, I was not brought in by Zozi and now I am being asked to invoice her,” he says. The stylist says Miss SA is exploiting professionals and entrepreneurs. He says the organisation does not respect his craft, after spending thousands of Rands on transport costs, sourcing clothes from different stores, and taking the garments to expensive dry cleaners after being worn by the presenter.

STYLING IS NO JOKE

�"They clearly think being a stylist is a joke or a hobby. To me this is my profession, as we speak I am sitting with a bill of about R15 000 from the dry cleaners, I have to return clothes in an immaculate condition,” he adds. He also said that the production wasted his time, he could have accepted other gigs. �"I could have worked on something else and did better. This gig wasted my time as I was busy running around like a headless chicken,” he adds. When Zimoja called Miss South Africa owner Steph Weil for a comment, she asked the publication to send questions but she never responded by the time of publication. Zozi’s manager Tumi Moema said that was not the initial agreement. �"Zozi has nothing to do with the payment of the stylist, that was not our agreement, I will take it up with them," Moema said.