Last year, fans were introduced to the official Miss South Africa app to Crown Chasers, a behind-the-scenes look at the build-up to the finale. This year, Crown Chasers has been developed into a full-blown and thrilling reality competition showing the Miss South Africa competition as you've never seen it before. The show is hosted by former Miss Universe (2019) and Miss SA (2019) Zozibini Tunzi and judged by Bonang Matheba and Leandie du Randt, and a guest judge. Every week, the show gives more insight into the top 12 contestants and their many layers.
ALLOWING VULNERABILITY
She is one of the Crown Chasers who bravely peeled off one layer of her life by opening up about her queer identity. Homba Mazaleni (23) did it boldly and unapologetically. She tells ZiMoja that the competition has been a whirlwind. "I've cycled through many different versions of myself in the competition. I've seen myself at my highest and lowest and have been able to meet myself with a deep sense of compassion and kindness." But every day she feels she learns more about herself. "I've learned that my most valuable tool is my story and that it can only be only of service if I dare to be vulnerable," Homba says exposing her vulnerability has made her relatable. "The most valuable lesson that I've learned is the power of vulnerability, you never know who's looking for your story. The most powerful human experience is the feeling of belonging and I can only extend that welcome to someone else."
Picture: Katlego Mokubyane
QUEER VISIBILITY
The East London beauty queen recently spoke openly about her sexuality and queer status for the first time on a public platform. She became the second contestant to come out as queer after Sibabalwe Gcilitshana in 2019. "I felt it was important that I speak about my identity and being queer because it's not often you get to see someone who is queer at a platform that celebrates beauty," she says. "I wanted it known that I'm queer so that other people who identify as queer can see that their identity can be celebrated and also seen as beautiful. I hope this inspires people who are queer to continue being themselves because what makes us special, is our ability to be authentic and be true to who we are regardless of what society has to say."
IDENTITY, CULTURE, AND BELONGING
A qualified sports scientist and student intern at the University of the Western Cape, Homba says her experiences of being an 'afro-queer' has made her build a strong sense of self-worth and self-love. "Being afro queer comes with its own intersectionality and societal scrutiny," she says. "I've had to build a strong sense of self because the world has told me multiple times that I don't belong. Then when you look at it from a cultural perspective, the stories of queer Xhosa women are few and far between. But they are there, so I've found a home in that narrative, and it's given me power and I know that my being vulnerable and sharing my identity will give other people within my community power." Homba says that the most powerful thing that one can do is to be themselves. "It's the most comforting words you can ever share and the only way to do that is if you dare to be valuable and share the stories that happen in isolation."
FEARS AND CHALLENGES
Homba explains how being a black queer woman comes with its unique challenges. "I face discrimination due to both my race and gender, as well as prejudice based on my LGBTQ+ identity," she says. "Dealing with double minority stress and microaggressions can be exhausting. Representation is limited, and finding acceptance within my community can be tough." She worries about health disparities and violence too. "Despite these challenges' I'm resilient and proud of my identity. It's essential to create inclusive spaces that celebrate diversity and protect the rights of people. That's why being here at Miss South Africa, using this platform it's lent me is so powerful." Hoping to run off with the crown, Homba says whether she wins or now, she wants people to take away that she was bold and expansive. "I also want people to be reminded that no societal archetype can fit your mold," she says. "Dare greatly and seek out moments of courage in your life, they will need vulnerability and you'll be surprised what meeting yourself with compassion and kindness will do." Homba goes up against Ané Oosthuysen (25), Lebohang Raputsoe (24), Anke Rothmann (23), Lungo Katete (26), Bryoni Govender (26), Jordan van der Vyver (27), Keaoleboga Nkashe (27), Levern "Donnatella" José (23), Melissa Nayimuli (27), Nande Mabala (25), and Natasha Joubert (25).
