As someone who has entered the Miss South Africa pageant twice and won last year, reigning Miss SA Natasha Joubert has shared her tips for the 2024 Miss South Africa hopefuls.
Joubert has some pertinent advice to those entering the Miss South Africa competition this year.
“As someone who has entered the pageant twice, the most important factor is to know yourself well, both emotionally and mentally. An entrant must know their strong suit 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,” she says.
“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 recounts 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. 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 South Africa 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. 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 South Africa 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 urges 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 South Africa. But that’s when you know that you are growing and that you are pushing yourself. At the end I promise you that you will know more about yourself,” Joubert explains.
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Image: Miss SA/Natasha Joubert
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