Explainer: Why Bryoni, not Natasha will compete at Miss Universe

South Africa’s Bryoni Govender is a firm favourite to win the Miss Universe pageant this weekend. But many are wondering why Miss SA winner Natasha Joubert is not representing the country instead.

Natasha was crowned at a glamorous event back in August. This marks her second stint in the competition after placing in the Top 3 in 2020.

Meanwhile, Bryoni and Nande Mabala were crowned first and second runner-up, respectively.

The Miss Universe pageant takes place on Sunday, 19 November, in El Salvador.

BRYONI GOVENDER SHNES AT MISS UNIVERSE PRELIMS

On her own and the Miss SA social media accounts, Bryoni Govender has been posting up a storm of a journey to Miss Universe.

This includes a look at her national costume, and everyday looks in the prelims.

The dark-haired beauty – a qualified lawyer – has been wowing both the crowds and the judges with her striking looks and personality. So much so that she’s been tipped to make the Top 10 by pageant enthusiasts.

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A post shared by Bryoni Natalie Govender (@bryoni.govender)

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WHY NATASHA JOUBERT CANT COMPETE

Meanwhile, South Africans are questioning why Bryoni and not Miss SA title winner Natasha Joubert is not representing Mzansi at Miss Universe.

After being Shudu Musida’s runner-up in 2020, Natasha represented SA at the Miss Universe pageant. However, she did not place in the Top 21.

Although Natasha was permitted to re-enter the Miss SA pageant, the international pageant has different rules in place.

According to pageant enthusiast and YouTuber Rina Hendriks, Natasha may not enter the international pageant again. 

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A post shared by Bryoni Natalie Govender (@bryoni.govender)

Hendriks told The South African: “It is a set-in-stone rule that no woman may represent her country more than once at Miss Universe. There was never going to be a way for Natasha to go to Miss Universe again”.

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Sadly, Natasha cannot enter the Miss World pageant either, as Miss SA did not renew its licence with the global pageant.

Hendriks added: “Natasha cannot go to Miss World since Miss World is no longer affiliated with the Miss South Africa Organisation.”

WHO WILL REPRESENT AT SUPRANATIONAL?

Meanwhile, speculation is rife on who will represent SA at the Miss Supranational pageant, which takes place in 2024.

In an interview with 947, Natasha Joubert emphasised that she does not want to compete globally during her year of reign.

She said: “I’m not going to the Supernational. This was the goal of coming back was serving my country”.

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She added: “And I meant it, I really did mean it, but I’m giving another lady an opportunity to go and represent. For me, Miss South Africa was always the goal. I wanted this job”.

In 2022, former Miss SA Lalela Mswane became the first South African – and first black woman – to win the Miss Supranational title.

In July, the Miss SA 2022 runner-up Ayanda Thabethe competed at the Miss Supra, where she placed in the Top 24. She also won the Miss Congeniality title.

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Miss Supranational 2024 will take place on 4 May in Poland, while Miss World has been postponed from December 2023 to 2 March 2024 in India.