Natasha Joubert: Miss SA org says winners can wed, have babies during reign

Natasha Joubert’s engagement during her year of reign has sparked a conversation about what is permitted as a Miss SA pageant holder.

In previous years, winners have waited until their year in the spotlight is over to make major life decisions like getting engaged, marrying, or even having a baby.

Natasha becomes the first winner to become engaged during her year.

NATASHA JOUBERT’S ENGAGEMENT: MISS SE SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT

Over the weekend, Miss SA Natasha Joubert announced her engagement to boyfriend Enrico Vermaak. The couple – who have made no secret of their romance – have been together for over eight years.

Miss SA organisation shared their well-wishes for the 2023 winner in a statement.

CEO Stephanie Weil shared: “We are delighted with the news of Natasha and Enrico’s engagement. We have got to know them as a couple during Natasha’s reign and know that they are going to be very happy together”

On social media, many pageant fans had questions…

@thuto_ntle: “Can Miss SA date during their reign? Things have really changed.”

@kerry.bezuidenhout: “Is she allowed to get engaged if she is the reigning winner?”

Setting the record straight, Miss SA told The South African that everything was above board.

Spokesperson Janine Walker said: “Since the current Miss South Africa Organisation has owned the title, title holders have been able to date, and once rules were changed to allow married women and mothers to enter, they have been allowed to be engaged during their reign.”

Walker added that winners could also get married or even fall pregnant and have a baby.

NEW INCLUSIVE RULES

Last year, the Miss SA organisation introduced its new, all-inclusive entry requirements.

ALSO READ: ‘Mr SA by default’: Who is Natasha Joubert’s fiancé?

After announcing that married women can compete in the national competition, organisers have gone a step further with more.

This includes the following amendments

• All relationship statuses are welcome: married, engaged, divorced
• Women with children
• All sexual orientations
• Cisgender and transgender women
• No height or weight restrictions
• Women with multiple piercings and tattoos

Speaking of the new eligibility, Miss SA CEO Stephanie Weil said in a media release: “This year, we have pushed more boundaries than ever before, and we are delighted to welcome all women who are ready to step onto our leadership platform and be the next ambassador for South Africa.