Natasha Joubert has responded to those who criticised her for entering the competition again after finishing in the Top 3 in 2020.
The 26-year-old BCom Marketing Management graduate was crowned Miss South Africa 2023 at the SunBet Arena on Sunday night.
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Social media users, however, claim that Natasha was given preferential treatment by pageant organisers throughout the competition.
According to The South African, the newly crowned Miss South Africa said the following during a press conference as she addressed the criticism she received from social media users.
“It was always a part of the rules that I could come back.” “I don’t even remember what I did three years ago. This is a completely different person. I have changed a lot. Mentally and emotionally, a lot has happened in between. If you put yourself in my shoes, what would you have done?,” she said during the press conference.
Natasha Joubert mentioned her past participation in the Miss SA contest in her victory speech as the winner.
“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 – has today become a reality.”
She continued: “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.”
The beauty Queen entered Miss South Africa in 2020 and placed as 2nd runner up. She went on to represent the country at the Miss Universe pageant where she did not place in the Top 21. However, the model and entrepreneur was determined as she entered the Miss SA competition yet again.
