Natasha Joubert, a 26-year-old from Tshwane in Gauteng, has been crowned Miss South Africa 2023. Joubert is a BCom Marketing Management graduate and the owner of Natalia Jefferys, a fashion company she started at the age of 19. This was not Joubert's first time competing in the Miss SA pageant. In 2020, she was crowned the second runner-up, but she refused to give up and entered the competition again, determined to win. And win she did!
The prestigious Miss SA pageant took place at Sun Bet Arena at Time Squares Menlyn, Tshwane, on Sunday, August 13, where Joubert came out tops. She also received prizes and sponsorships worth more than R3 million. Joubert's journey to the crown was not an easy one. She had to compete against 29 other contestants, all of whom were equally talented and beautiful. But her determination and hard work paid off, and she emerged as the winner, impressing the judges with her confidence, intelligence, and beauty.
Her crowning received mixed reactions from South Africans. While her win has been celebrated by some people who have taken to social media to congratulate her, some felt she did not deserve the crown but that she should have been a runner-up. "I do not know much about pageants but this crowning was unfair. She was all about the second time. Her answers didn't carry substance like the other two ladies," said a social media user referring to Mellisa Nayimuli and Byroni Govender. "I was rooting for Byroni for the crown, 1st Princess Natasha. I am happy for two queens there were consistent in Crown Chasers,' While another social media user said: "I was really rooting for Melissa. Congratulations Natasha, Melissa should also make a comeback next year,'. Her fans have praised her for her hard work and dedication, and for being a role model to young girls all over the country. Joubert has now become the face of South Africa and will represent the country in international beauty competitions. She will also be involved in various charity events and projects, using her platform to make a positive impact on the lives of others. President Cyril Ramaphosa has also congratulated the new Miss SA. "Congratulations to our newly crowned Miss SA 2023 Ms Natasha Joubert. Your resilience is a testament to our fighting spirit as a nation. We wish you a fruitful year of reign and we look forward to you making a positive impact as our Miss South Africa," Ramaphosa said.
