An ecstatic Natasha Joubert from Tshwane has been crowned Miss South Africa 2023 at the spectacular pageant finale held at the SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria on Sunday night.

Joubert (26) is a BCom Marketing Management graduate and is the owner and fashion designer of Natalia Jefferys, a company she started when she was 19.

Runner-up was Johannesburg’s Bryoni Govender who was also the Motherkind fitness award winner.

An emotional and overwhelmed Joubert said she was truly humbled and grateful to win the title and to be the first to wear the glittering new Mowana (“Tree of Life”) crown from Nungu Diamonds.

She received R1 million in cash in a prize and sponsorship package that includes the use of a serviced apartment at the lavish Brookfield at Royal in Kensington – developed by Tricolt – for the year of her reign. She will also get to drive a Mercedes-Benz GLC as well as go on a trip to Paris sponsored by L’Oreal.

In her acceptance speech Joubert, a firm favourite among the crowd watching the pageant, said: “I am incredibly honoured and humbled to be crowned Miss South Africa 2023. As I step into this new role, I am filled with a sense of responsibility to make a positive difference in the world around me. I believe that success is not just about personal accomplishments, but about the opportunities we have to give back and uplift those around us. I will strive to be a source of inspiration and support for others, just as I have been supported on my journey now and before.

“This moment is the epitome of a full circle moment for me. A dream that started 11 years ago – and which three years ago did come to fruition after proudly representing my country on an international stage at Miss Universe at Miss Universe South Africa – has today become a reality. It took a lot of hard work, grit, self-confidence and support to keep my dream alive and to keep on believing in the beauty of second chances. It is a journey that I will forever be grateful for which moulded and shaped me into the woman I am today.

“I pledge to use this platform to advocate for the causes close to my heart and to be a source of inspiration for others. Entrepreneurship lies at the heart of innovation and economic growth. It is the driving force that propels nations forward, creating jobs, nurturing creativity, and fostering a spirit of resilience.

“I will also commit to cultivating an environment where entrepreneurial spirits can thrive. It pains me to know that more than half of South Africa’s youth lack the financial means to pursue their dreams. I was fortunate to receive a bursary that enabled me to continue my education, and I have been proactive in giving back. Not waiting for a crown on my head, I’ve been working to make a difference,” she revealed.

The winner of the special Crown Chaser of the season award, as voted for by the public, was Lungo Katete.

Says Stephanie Weil, CEO of the Miss South Africa Organisation: “Huge congratulations to Natasha, our newly crowned Miss South Africa 2023. A worthy winner, she embodies the Miss South Africa Organisation’s vision that if you can dream it you can achieve it and that just one person can make a big difference. May this year’s winner inspire a nation. We can’t wait to see what she achieves. And well done to runner-up Bryoni and the other five finalists who gave it their all on the evening. We truly had a strong group of women vying for the crown this year, a testament to the importance and value that the Miss South Africa title has come to stand for.”

The Miss South Africa 2023 pageant finale was broadcast live on SABC 3 and streamed for an international audience on the Miss South Africa app.

The all-female judging line-up comprised reigning Miss Universe, R’Bonney Nola Gabriel, actress author and entrepreneur Leandie du Randt, actress and L’Oréal Paris Sub-Saharan Ambassador, Thuso Mbedu, media icon and award-winning investigative television journalist, Devi Sankaree Govender and entrepreneur and former Miss South Africa, Jo-Ann Strauss.

Interview with Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert

What beauty pageants have you entered and how did you fare?
Miss Globe South Africa (winner), Miss Globe (Top 5), Miss Rivonia 2018 (winner),
Miss South Africa 2020 (second runner-up) and I entered Miss Universe in 2020 as Miss Universe South Africa.

Qualifications and occupation
I received my B.Com Marketing Management degree in 2020 at Boston City Campus. I am a business owner and fashion designer. I started my company (Natalia Jefferys) when I was 19.

Why did you decide to enter Miss South Africa 2023 and why did you deserve to win this title?
My journey started in 2020 when I first entered as a 22-year-old. I was honoured to later on represent South Africa at Miss Universe in 2021. Shortly afterwards I had to deal with depression issues and knew I had to prioritise my mental health. The result was a mindset change and a different perspective than I’d had before. It was growth and experiences I knew I wanted to share with our generation. I’ve never let circumstances determine my narrative. I deserve to be Miss South Africa because I am a woman of resilience. I do not rely on talent but on my work ethic and hard work.

What do you think is the most important part of a beauty pageant?
Always have your personal challenges. We easily forget that this is a process of upliftment, and only focusing on the crown and not the daily successes is where you can easily compare yourself, not have compassion for yourself and ultimately have self-doubt about your abilities.

What qualities should a woman possess to make a notable difference in the world?
Resilience, self-awareness, drive and relatability. A woman who can self-reflect and constantly work on herself, challenge herself and reflect when it is needed. A difference maker is someone who has claimed her vulnerabilities and opens the conversation up in order for others to do the same.

Why do you believe that the Miss South Africa pageant should be more inclusive and representative of society?
Going back to the sole reason on why the Miss South Africa platform exists. It’s for the women and fellow South Africans to know they are being seen, heard and paid attention to. In order to do that we must acknowledge that everyone comes from different circumstances, backgrounds and challenges. I have battled with my first journey to open up about my challenges as a child. Losing our family home when I was 13, my father being unemployed since I was 12 and losing my father Jaco at the age of 16. At a young age I had to learn independence. Not only for overcoming the challenges but because I have built my voice to speak for others.This is a platform for people to feel seen. Because stories unite one another.

Tell us about your family.
I am the youngest of three siblings. I have an older brother, Reinier and sister, Daniellé, both of whom are attorneys, notaries and conveyancers. My mother Ninette is also my business partner in Natalia Jefferys. She got her law degree at 50 years old and is currently also doing her articles to become a lawyer.

How are you playing your part in your community and in South Africa?
I started off with my own company where we take a few ladies every year and design and make their dream matric dance dresses. Not everyone has the means or support to make their day special. I have publicly also called for fellow creatives in the industry to jump in and assist or do the same in their area. I was fortunate to study my degree through bursaries that I won with modelling competitions.

What do you love about South Africa?
From our warm and welcoming people to our food and love for our culture; and our climate and scenery. The list is endless. But I need to highlight that when we unite, it’s the most powerful movement. A country that truly will stand behind you and with this journey I am in service of them.

How do you define success?
Success is having mental health, self-acceptance and passions. We are being challenged every day and today’s generation comes with so much pressure and responsibilities. Knowing that you don’t have to live up to anyone’s expectations but your own is success.

Tell us 5 short facts about yourself (including something people may not know about you)
I was the only girl in my karate class when I was younger.
I was a tomboy growing up.
I was on South Africa’s Got Talent when I was 11 years old.
I play a game of Rummicub on my phone every single night before I sleep.
I used to sing from the age of seven to 18 years old.

What has been your biggest disappointment and how did you bounce back?
When I did not place at Miss Universe in 2021. South Africa has done so well the three years before my year and felt like I could not live up to what was expected from me. The once in a lifetime opportunity, my schedule, drive and motivation was gone in an instant. An emotional journey and yet one that has built the strongest version of myself that has ever existed. A journey I am still busy with and I have learnt how to be in sync with my mental health, emotions and how to handle situations that come unexpectedly.

What do you like most about yourself?
I am a social butterfly. I really love interacting with people and opening up conversations.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
My small calves and thighs. Also, to stop apologising so much and owning up that I am doing the best I can.

What do you think is the biggest problem facing young people today?
The pressure that comes with fitting in. When it comes to trends, experiences, lifestyles and achievements. Society has made us think we must be married, own a house and have children by 30. I can now testify that following your own timeline, at your own terms with firm boundaries is protecting your inner peace.

Who are your local and international female role models and why?
Local would be my Gumpie – a second father who has given grace and patience a new meaning. I don’t have an international role model.

If you could have lunch with anyone famous – dead or alive – who would it be and why?
Princess Diana, I would love to hear the full truth of her last moments.

What do you do in your spare time?
We take our dogs up to the park, hike, spend time with friends and family and definitely sometimes as little as I can, just rest.

What is your message to young girls and young women in South Africa?
Your circumstances do not define you, your past is only a place of reference, not your identity. You are the outcome of your choices and you get to choose every day.

Shortfire Questions with Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert

What are you reading right now?
I don’t read. I prefer a movie, podcast or I listen to music.

What music are you listening to?
Taylor Swift is on the top of my list.

What are your favourite TV shows?
I just binge-watched Firefly Lane and Night Agent.

What is your favourite meal?
My Oumie’s stew.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
A game of Rummicub before I go to bed – even if I am dead tired.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Living a life with no self-doubt. If you make mistakes – fully own up to them and allow them to happen.

What is your greatest fear?
Losing someone close to me again. I experienced grief earlier than I would have ever thought I would.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Definitely wardrobe and heels!

When and where were you happiest?
When I purchased my first house in 2021 and curated the entire space to become my safe haven. I am 100 percent happy there.

Which talent would you most like to have?
Dancing.

What is your most treasured possession?
I wrote a little Father’s Day note to my father when I was in primary school and in 2021 I went through some of his items and I got the note in his wallet. To think he carried it with him everyday makes this note so special to me.

What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty, honesty, maturity and transparency.

What is your motto?
You aren’t a product of your circumstances. You are a product of your choices.

Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International. SABC3 is the official broadcast partner.

Pictures: Yolanda van der Stoep