Natasha Joubert's engagement during her reign sparked debate over what is allowed as a holder of the Miss SA pageant.
Previous winners have waited until after their high-profile year to make big life decisions like engagement, marriage, and having children.
Natasha becomes the first winner to become engaged that year.
Natasha Joubert's engagement: Miss SE sets the record straight
Last weekend, Miss SA Natasha Joubert announced her engagement to boyfriend Enrico Vermaak. The two, who have made no secret of their romance, have been together for over eight years.
In a statement, the Miss SA organization congratulated the 2023 winner.
CEO Stephanie Weil said: “We are delighted with the news of Natasha and Enrico's engagement. We got to know them as a couple during Natasha's reign and know they will be very happy together.”
On social media, many pageant fans were wondering…
@thuto_ntle: “Can we date during the reign of Miss SA? Things have really changed.”
@kerry.bezuidenhout: “If she's the winner, will she be allowed to get engaged?”
To set the record straight, SA said: south african That everything was unexpected.
Spokeswoman Janine Walker said: “Ever since the title was owned by the current Miss South Africa Organization, title holders have been able to date, and since the rules were changed to allow married women and mothers to participate. It was also allowed to betrothed during their reign.” ”
Walker added that the winner may also get married or become pregnant and have children.
New comprehensive rules
Last year, the Miss SA organization introduced comprehensive new entry requirements.
Also read: 'Mr SA by default': Who is Natacha Joubert's fiance?
After announcing that married women could also compete in the national competition, organizers went a step further and enriched the content even more.
This includes the following fixes:
- All relationship statuses are welcome: married, engaged, divorced, etc.
- woman with children
- all sexual orientations
- cisgender and transgender women
- There are no height or weight restrictions
- woman with multiple piercings and tattoos
Commenting on the new qualification, Miss SA CEO Stephanie Weil said in a media release: Next South African Ambassador.
