Natasha Joubert is Miss South Africa who shared her personal battle with mental health while performing her royal duties. Her journey to Miss Universe 2021 was met with setbacks and plunged her into severe depression, but she sought professional help and refused to let her hardships define her. Natasha’s story reminds us to recognize our struggles, seek help, and prioritize mental wellbeing. Her journey of conquering her internal battles while performing her royal duties and managing her personal life displays her resilience and strength.
Triumph Over Traditions: Dr. Claude Mashego – A Catalyst for Progress and a Beacon of Cultural Pride
Dr. Claude Mashego is a trailblazer and the firstever winner of Miss World South Africa. Her participation in the 71st Miss World pageant in India showcased her cultural heritage and made her an influential voice for reform. Despite not winning the crown, her top 40 ranking and celebration of her cultural roots have made her a beacon of national pride in South Africa.
Natasha Joubert, the current Miss South Africa, has made a groundbreaking decision not to compete in international beauty pageants. Instead, she will focus on her local title, breaking away from the traditional path followed by previous winners. Joubert’s decision has raised questions about her future prospects, but it also highlights the importance of making unique choices aligned with personal values. Her impact comes from courageously blazing her own trail in an industry often seen as predictable.
In Cape Town, Lalela Mswane, a former Miss South Africa, made headlines after her controversial visit to Israel in 2021. Her trip highlighted the complex relationship between Israel, South Africa, and the European Union, and demonstrated how beauty pageants can become entangled in global politics. Despite the backlash, Mswane stands firm in her decision, embodying the grace and determination befitting a Miss South Africa. Her story underscores the impact and reach of beauty pageants on significant societal issues and reflects a sense of African identity, unity among beauty queens, and community resilience.