The wait is over and the new Mrs SA for 2023 has been crowned. Beauty queen and businesswoman Palesa Matjekana was crowned at Emperors Palace on Saturday 22 October. Although there is much to celebrate, the beauty pageant is marred by controversy. Beauty queen and contestant Chandrè Goosen-Joubert says she is very disappointed after spending thousands of Rands in order to stand a chance to win. Chandrè has opened up about spending R1,8 million up until the final, which she did not win.
JUDY BLOOMFIELD SPEAKS
She was crowned Mrs SA Charity. A category awarded to the woman who raised more money for charity during the competition.Judy says although she benefitted from the competition by having the title, she was hoping to help raise money for charity. "In our year, things were not done according to the rule book,'Judy says. "Mrs SA never followed their own rules. We signed contracts testing that we can't be related to or have any relations with any of the sponsors, be involved with any of the judges or anything like that and the current Mrs SA's mother is the general manager for Legacy Hotels retail, and marketing which is one of the main sponsors. The show director worked for Legacy the year we did the show. The current title holder judged on a panel with our official judges on another pageant twice, during our year of competing. So, the conflict of interest that happened in the year 2021 was just ridiculous,' Judy alleges. "It's all in black and white. The sad thing is women enter believing they are there to make a difference in the country and Mrs SA has nothing to do with making anything better in our country, it's about making money and uplifting a predetermined winner.' When she entered, Judy says she alone, raised over R200 000 for the pageant. "When you are in the top 25, we have to raise R25 000 in sponsorships, and in the top 20, that's another R25 000. So that is R50 000.Then we have to sell tickets to a woman's luncheon, and golf tickets. The money aspect is way over R200 000.' Judy says she understood there was a financial obligation to raise money for charity. "But I went in with the belief that it would be fair. So,I have been running my own charity for 10 years. I am in partnership with the Netcare Foundation. I honestly believed that I could use Mrs SA for a greater purpose on a bigger scale but unfortunately, that was never to be. They exploit women. I haven't spoken before but today I went straight to Mrs SA and I sat down with the CEO and asked her these questions. I have sent emails, but they don't care, they made their money, and they think they can catch the next naïve woman entering the competition.'When Judy asked management what the role of Mrs SA was, she was informed "to uplift the image of our brand. What? Women need to be enlightened about Mrs South Africa. They cleverly use the wording. It has nothing to do with the upliftment of our country.'
EXPLOITING THEM
When offered to hand in her crown due to her concerns,Judy refused.Judy says this has been one of the most mental challenging years of her life. "I have been shamed for speaking out. But If I had to speak out again, I would. It is time people understand that Mrs South Africa is nothing more than a predetermined beauty pageant. That is my experience with this journey. If I can help one woman to realise that I would have helped. It has such a great model, but it is a pity the platform is being misused and dishonest. A platform meant to empower women is now exploiting them.' Judy admits though that, "The only benefit was the friends I made, but I didn't enter to make friends but to make an impact. In entering, I also used my year to be an ambassador for CANSA. I have hosted many charity events and made a sizeable donation to them. I contributed to a woman's shelter near my area and took them food. I did work, but without Mrs SA's exposure."
OTHER WOMEN ON LOSING MONEY DUE THE COMPETITION
Two contestants who do not wish to be named for the fear of being shamed say they almost lost everything due to the pageant. "I used money from my business and ended up borrowing money from my parent to make sure that I stayed in the peagant. If you do not raise money, you are eliminated,' she says. "When my parents were tired of giving me money, I made a loan with the bank which I am still battling to pay. The entire pageant is a scam and has nothing to do with putting people's needs first.' Another contestant says she has had to leave the competition. "I was going to lose myself,' she says. "I paid so much money. We have been cash cows from the start. I had to leave for my own sanity.'
WHAT MRS SA ORGANISERS HAVE TO SAY
Joani Johnson, who has been THE CEO of Mrs SA pageant for 12 years says all the positive far outweighs all the negativity that has been reported on the pageant. "I must admit, it has been really tough on me personally.It has been a personal attack on me and taxing mentally. I have been reminded of all the positive things and support we have received,' she says. "There have also been a lot of lessons and personal growth. The positives far outweigh the one or two negative things being said in the media. At the end of the day, you go into this with an open eye, you know what you let yourself into. We are very transparent about the entire pageant and if anyone is not strong enough, we do not force them,' she adds. "We have said enough, we are moving on. We have a wonderful network and sisterhood and are very excited, spirits are high and the ladies have been preparing, and they're a really good vibe and positive energy. It's the first time we are back in theatre with a glamorous production since 2019 and the pandemic. It is a big moment for us. We feel great that we have been able to survive,' she says.
