Media personality Bonang Matheba will join actress Leandie du Randt and former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi as judges for the Miss South Africa beauty pageant. The event is set to take place on August 13 at the SunBet Arena in Time Square, Pretoria.
Bonang, who previously hosted the show in 2019, shared her thoughts on what she is looking for in a Miss South Africa. She said she wants someone who can serve as a great ambassador and advocate for social justice, and who can be a spokesperson for the youth.
“I am looking for someone who’ll play a great ambassadorial role; who is passionate about her CSI projects; someone who is an advocate for social justice and someone who will play a role in being a spokesperson for the youth,” Bonang said.
According to Bonang, a Miss South Africa should be relatable, proudly South African, and carry herself with dignity, grace, and elegance. She should also have a beautiful and zesty personality that attracts people.
“She has to be beautiful, but she must also have a wonderful and zesty personality. Somebody that gravitates towards people and who people gravitate towards — that X-factor. I believe the woman who wins was born to be Miss South Africa and has the essence of a Miss South Africa. It’s our responsibility to identify her,” she said.
Crown Chasers TV Series
In addition to judging the pageant, the trio will also host Miss South Africa’s TV series Crown Chasers. The five-part series will air on SABC3 starting on July 8 at 4 pm.
“The series will give us a greater opportunity to get to know the girls because they get taken through all these challenges and you will experience a 360º view of their personality. How they are in tough times, how they handle external factors that might influence them, good or bad, how they interact with other people, how they look on camera, how they interact in social settings, around other women and around competition, and how they handle themselves,” Bonang said.
Zozibini Tunzi was part of the executive team producing the series. She encouraged everyone to watch Crown Chasers to get a full picture of what goes into choosing a Miss South Africa.
“Everyone should watch Crown Chasers because every year people wonder what the process of choosing a Miss South Africa is like and now they will have a full picture,” Zozibini said.
She added that what makes the show special is that viewers get to fall in love with the contestants and watch them grow on their journey towards the crown.
“When your favourite contestant becomes Miss South Africa, it will feel as though you have walked with them every step of the way and learnt what kind of woman they are. There’s something beautiful about feeling included and being a part of your new Miss South Africa’s journey,” Zozibini said.
Zozibini’s advice to finalists is to be sure of themselves. “They are all finalists because they worked hard and they deserve to be there. I want them to know every event and situation that has happened in their lives has prepared them for this moment. The answer to being Miss South Africa is not rocket science and is not found in any book. They have every answer they need within themselves, so all they must do is show up in their truest form,” she said.
Leandie du Randt, who previously hosted Love Island South Africa, said that audiences will love the realness and behind-the-scenes activities of Crown Chasers. The show will also help viewers get to know the finalists on a deeper level.
“I am looking for the woman that has that Miss South Africa feel to her when she walks into the room; someone who can be the best version of herself at all times; someone who is memorable, has a presence and a purpose in her heart to serve and lead the country in being the best it can be,” Leandie said.