Mpumalanga’s Reinette Potgieter became the first Top 16 contestant to be voted out of Crown Chasers, the behind-the-scenes Miss South Africa television series airing on S3.
The chase officially began for the top 16 in a celebration of the beauty of heritage and being proudly South African. A cooking task tested their teamwork while a fun dance challenge had the girls bringing their MoFaya to the floor.
Resident judges Leandie du Randt and Lerato Kganyago were joined by recent Black Entertainment Television (BET) award-winning singer Makhadzi, who evaluated their performance with Potgieter leaving at the end of the episode. Overall winner wasNompumelelo Maduna.
Reveals Potgieter, a 26-year-old teacher: “I was really sad to be sent home so early in the competition. The TV commercial challenge, in particular, pushed me out of my comfort zone, as I had no prior experience in this area. When I was eliminated, I broke down in tears. Nonetheless, I am extremely proud of how I carried myself and that I pushed through to the end. When you want something so badly, you’ll do anything to get to the end no matter what!”
She said that her Miss South Africa journey had proven to be a profoundly fulfilling adventure, surpassing her wildest dreams: “To have had the opportunity to be part of a legacy that celebrates women empowerment and excellence has been a true honour. Seeing myself on that stage, living my childhood dream, has been a surreal experience. This platform has not only aligned with my values but has also inspired me to embrace my individuality and passions. Through self-discovery and challenges, I’ve grown exponentially, and I’m forever grateful for this transformative experience.”
What was the best and hardest thing that happened during your Miss South Africa journey?
The best was the realisation of my own strength and resilience, as well as forming new friendships with fellow contestants. I discovered that I am capable of navigating challenges with grace and determination and that my independence is a powerful tool. The entire experience, from the stunning makeovers to the life lessons, has left a mark on my heart and soul. The hardest aspect of this competition was facing the emotional, physical and mental challenges which pushed me to my limits. Additionally, I found the social media challenges quite difficult as I’m not well-versed in creating engaging content. However, this journey taught me to tap into my inner strength, cultivate resilience and embrace my individuality. Lastly, the mere mention of the word ‘judged’ used to instil a sense of fear in me but I learnt to reframe challenges as opportunities, tackling each one with determination and confidence and viewing them as stepping stones to personal growth.
Would you do it all over again?
I would definitely consider entering the competition again as I now have a deeper understanding of what to expect and have identified areas for personal growth.
What did you learn about yourself?
I discovered my unwavering determination and refusal to settle for anything less than my best. I learnt to stand up for myself and my aspirations and to relentlessly pursue my goals. Moreover, I obtained valuable skills during the competition that have empowered me to tackle challenges with confidence. This will continue to serve me well in my future endeavours.
How was it participating in Crown Chasers?
I’m comfortable in front of cameras but video cameras are still new to me. Competing on Crown Chasers was tough, as TV is a whole different world. I now appreciate how hard people in the industry work and admire their dedication. The Miss South Africa Organisation is amazing; showing how versatile a Miss South Africa has to be. I’m grateful to have been on the show and still can’t believe I was on TV! It was a life-changing experience that made me stronger, wiser and more confident.
What is your message to the remaining Miss South Africa contestants?
It requires immense bravery to voluntarily put yourself in the spotlight and each of you deserves recognition for your efforts. You should be incredibly proud of your accomplishments. When things become difficult, because they will, draw inspiration from a racehorse’s focus and perseverance. Block out distractions, including self-doubt, and stay committed to your goals. Remember, your determination and resilience will carry you through to the end.
What next for you?
I’m really looking forward to getting back to work and seeing all the people who have supported me. I’m excited to see what’s next. This experience has helped me figure out what I want to achieve and has brought me one step closer to my goals. I’m more determined than ever to keep going and make my dreams a reality! This isn’t goodbye but rather a new beginning. I’m excited to embark on a journey of personal development and self-improvement, and I’m eager to take on more challenges and opportunities that come my way. You’ll be seeing more of me in the future, and I can’t wait to share my progress and successes with you. This is only the beginning for bigger and better things to come!
The third episode of Crown Chasers will be broadcast on S3 on Saturday, July 13, at 20h30 with a repeat on Sunday, July 14, at 13h00. In this instalment, the Chasers embrace their journey as a ‘Worth In Progress’. In a celebration of natural beauty and finding their own worth, the Top 15 get ready with L’Oreal Paris in a fun mini challenge that puts their hair, makeup and skincare routines to the test. They take to the stage with an inspirational TED talk and let their natural beauty shine through in another photoshoot challenge. Guest judge is Nontando Mposo, Glamour Magazine SA’s Editor-In-Chief.
The Miss South Africa 2024 winner and ultimate Crown Chaser will be crowned at Sun International’s flagship venue, the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria on Saturday, August 10.
