The judging panel for this year’s Miss South Africa live pageant finale has been announced.
The line-up includes:
- Rolene Strauss – winner of Miss South Africa and Miss World 2014. Strauss was invited as a judge in Miss World 2018, becoming the first and only Miss World from the 2010s to become a judge in a Miss World finals. She is currently the chairperson of the non-profit organisation The Strauss Foundation.
- Leandie du Randt – actress, presenter, voice artist, model, author and entrepreneur Du Randt also served as a judge on the Miss South Africa television series Crown Chasers and was one of the judges for last year’s contest.
- Jo-Ann Strauss – media entrepreneur, international speaker, board member of a number of companies and former Miss South Africa title holder who represented South Africa at the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants in 2001.
- Lerato Kganyago – also known as the Queen of Soweto – is an actress, model, media personality, entrepreneur and DJ. She was the winner of Miss Soweto in 2002
- Thembi Seete – actress, musician, multimedia personality and model, best known as a member of former kwaito group Boom Shaka. Seete was a judge on Idols South Africa in 2022 and 2023.
We asked some of this year’s judges a few questions including what they’ll be looking for in this year’s winner.
How many times have you judged the pageant finale, and do you think your judging criteria has changed?
Rolene Strauss (RS): This will be my third time judging a Miss South Africa final. People often forget that being Miss South Africa is a job. As a Crown Chaser, you are basically applying for a job; you are applying to be an ambassador for our country. Being an entrepreneur with a new and exciting business, I regularly appoint employees and look for certain attributes when doing so. This fresh perspective is definitely changing my judging criteria of Miss South Africa.
Leandie du Randt (LdR): This will be my third time judging a finale. My criteria evolves with the times and knowledge I gain each year as the needs of our country changes, but the fact that I want our Miss South Africa to be authentic, passionate, relatable and inspiring, will never change.
Jo-Ann Strauss (JS): This will be the second time I have judged the finals. I have a relatively good understanding of what is needed, and I also think Crown Chasers has made a huge impact, as we have had a chance to get to know the finalists onscreen before we get to know them in person. I don’t think my criteria has changed.
What will you be looking for in a potential Miss South Africa?
RS: What makes this ‘job application’ of being Miss South Africa especially challenging is that the contestants are applying for a leadership position, but for most of them this might be their first job ever. It is almost unfair to expect them to be ready for a leadership position, so I am looking for someone who is hardworking and coachable as she would need to grow into a leadership position in a very short amount of time.
LdR: Authenticity is the number one rule for me always – because no one can beat you at being you. The woman that knows herself best and is comfortable owning her story and using it to inspire and empower others will always win my heart. I want to feel inspired by our Miss South Africa and I want to feel her presence as she talks to you and walks into a room. She also needs to be able to articulate herself and her vision in a way that anyone can understand it and feel motivated by it.
JS: There are many factors I am looking for which many of the finalists possess or seem to possess. I am looking for someone who is able to carry the responsibility on her shoulders and understands that this is an opportunity to better the lives of many people as well as her own. Of course, Miss South Africa needs to present herself well and be adaptable and resilient.
Lerato Kganyago (LK): Someone who embodies grace, intelligence and authenticity. A potential Miss South Africa should be a role model who is not only confident but also compassionate and driven to make a positive impact. She should have a strong sense of self, be resilient in the face of challenges and have a genuine desire to serve her community and country
Thembi Seete (TS): Confidence, authenticity, passion, empathy, leadership, positive role-modelling, X-factor: what sets her apart from the rest.
What’s the number one piece of advice you would give to the finalists?
RS: Recommitment. Being Miss South Africa is a job for a year, but to all who participate, it is the platform of a lifetime. Know exactly what you want to do with this platform and utilise this opportunity with all you have!
LdR: Listen to what you get asked! Listen to really understand the questions and challenges, not just to reply with what you think you should reply. Otherwise we can’t judge you accurately if you don’t show us all of who you are. Show up with everything you have – your strengths, your vulnerability, your lessons, your courage and your own magic that none of the other girls have.
JS: As much as it’s become a cliché, authenticity is the factor that stands out. You have to talk the talk and walk the walk and if you put up a facade of who you are, the burden of misrepresenting yourself will be a heavy one to carry.
LK: Stay true to yourself. Authenticity is your greatest asset. Remember why you started this journey and hold onto that passion. Be confident in who you are and let your genuine self shine through. As judges, we and the audience will be drawn to your authenticity and sincerity.
TS: Be authentically yourself. Embrace your unique strengths, passions, and quirks. Share your genuine story and let your true personality shine through. The crown is not just about physical beauty but also inner beauty, confidence, and the positive impact you can make. So, own your individuality and let it sparkle on the stage.
One of the hardest parts of the contest is the questions posed by the judges at the end. What is a question you would ask that springs to mind?
RS: As a Miss South Africa you are an ambassador and a leader many look up to. What would you like to improve about yourself in order to be the best leader and example you can be?
LdR: In a time where everything is constantly changing and everyone is continually fed with advice and information on how they should think, act, live their lives and who they should be – what is the one thing you think will never change?
JS: Essentially we all want to know why you entered Miss South Africa and what legacy you are hoping to leave and how you will you practically implement what you plan to do. Grand promises are one thing, but how can you realistically turn your dreams into actions?
LK: “What is one societal issue you are passionate about, and how would you use your platform as Miss South Africa to address it?” This question helps reveal their values, their awareness of social issues and their vision for making a positive impact.
TS: What does being an African woman mean to you?; how do you plan to use your platform to promote African culture and values?; can you share a personal experience that showcases your leadership skills?; what do you think is the most significant challenge facing African youth today?
The 10 finalists are Kebalepile Ramafoko, Kirsten Khan, Layla Zoubair, Lebohang Khoza, Mia Le Roux, Nompumelelo Maduna, Onalenna Constantin, Ontshiametse Tlhopane, Palesa Lombard and Taahira Katz.
