By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

Natasha Joubert crowned Miss SA 2023. Picture: official_misssa.

Natasha Joubert, 25, from Gauteng has been crowned Miss South Africa 2023 at the Sun International SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria.

In 2020, she became the Miss SA runner-up and went on to represent South Africa at the Miss Universe competitions in 2021.

Speaking about her Miss SA journey ahead of the finale, she said her return to the pageant was a testimony.

"It feels surreal being back and being granted a second chance! I know this is a testimony I need to share and an incredible message: 'You're never a product of your circumstances, you're a product of your choices.' I felt incredible when I walked out of my interview knowing I wore my heart on my sleeve," she said.  

Miss SA 2022 Ndavi Nokeri officially handed over the title to the new queen, Joubert.

In her acceptance speech Joubert, a firm favourite among the crowd watching the pageant, said she is 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…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," Joubert said.

The judging panel of former Miss South Africa, Jo-Ann Strauss, Miss Universe R'Bonney Nola, actress Leandie du Randt, award-winning journalist Devi Sankaree Govender, and actress Thuso Mbedu came together at SunBet Arena, Time Square to judge the final Top 7 finalists. 

"We are moving into an entirely new era of Miss South Africa and it is young people that it leading the way," Sankaree Govender said.

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

She has never let her circumstances define her future and wants to enable others to also learn independence and create their own narrative. She enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, and being with loved ones. 

Not only does she get a brand-new crown, she also receives prizes and sponsorships worth more than R3 million. She will also get to drive a Mercedes-Benz GLC as well as go on a trip to Paris sponsored by L'Oreal. 

She is also the first Miss SA to wear the brand-new crown 'Mowana, the Tree of Life', designed by the dynamic duo behind Nungu Diamonds, Ursula Pule, and her husband, Kealeboga Pule.

The Top 7 Miss SA finalists who were competing for the crown are Anke Rothmann, Bryoni Govender, Homba Mazaleni, Jordan van der Vyver, Melissa Nayimuli, Nande Mabala, and Natasha Joubert.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Joubert, saying her resilience is testament to the nation's fighting spirit. 

"Congratulations to our newly crowned Natasha Joubert. Your resilience is testament to our fighting spirit as a nation. We wish you a fruitful year of reign and we look forward to you making a positive impact as our Miss South Africa, "the President said.