Under the usual circumstances, Miss South Africa 2023 winner, Natasha Joubert, would represent the country at the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants but that is not the case this time around.
Following her crowning as Miss SA this past weekend, Natasha will be hoping to carry the title with pride as she starts a new journey in her career. However, she will only be able to hold the Miss SA title as she is not eligible to compete for the Miss Universe and Miss World crowns.
Natasha was Miss SA runner-up in 2020 and went on to represent SA at the Miss Universe pageant in 2021 where she missed out on the top 21. While she was able to re-enter the Miss SA pageant, Miss Universe has different rules in place, The South African reported.
“It is a set-in-stone rule that no woman may represent her country more than once at Miss Universe. There was never going to be a way for Natasha to go to Miss Universe again,” according to pageant enthusiast, Rina Hendriks. South Africa will be represented by Miss SA runner-up Bryoni Govender at the Miss Universe pageant.
Sadly, Natasha cannot enter the Miss World pageant either, as Miss SA did not renew its license with the global pageant.
“Natasha cannot go to Miss World since Miss World is no long affiliated with the Miss South Africa Organization,” Hendriks added.
Natasha also revealed that she would not be running for Miss Supranational this year and instead wants to complete a full year as Miss South Africa.
Bryoni previously joined Miss South Africa in 2018 and placed in the Top 12. She is working as a trainee associate while awaiting admission to become an attorney. pic.twitter.com/XcCyko9dwE
— Drew #PageantsThatMatter (@DrewFranciscoW) August 16, 2023
Miss South Africa 2023 winner Natasha Joubert, who represented South Africa in Miss Universe 2020, confirmed that she will not be competing internationally this year. Miss Universe’s rules state that a candidate cannot enter more than once. pic.twitter.com/ml9Qjr4i8s
— Drew #PageantsThatMatter (@DrewFranciscoW) August 16, 2023
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
Also see: Miss SA reacts to Zozi Tunzi’s reports of not attending the pageant show
