Reigning Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert will replace Zozi Tunzi as the host of the third season of Crown Chasers, set to return to TV screens later this month.
The 2023 beauty queen will helm the six-part reality TV series, which gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the competition’s finalists in action.
Natasha will crown her successor at the finale on 10 August at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.
NATASHA JOUBERT TO HOST CROWN CHASERS S3
In an announcement on Friday, 14 June, Natasha Joubert was announced as the new presenter of Crown Chasers, now in season three.
The six-part series will kick off on Saturday, 29 June on SABC 3.
According to a statement, the reality TV show will place contestants in real-life scenarios that include challenges based on the four pillars of Miss SA – duty, championship, empowerment, and beauty.
While one deserving contestant will win the challenge each week, a panel of judges will vote off another. They include media personality Lerato Kganyago, actress Leandie du Randt, and Miss SA CEO Stephanie Weil.
The remaining contestants will compete in the finale on 10 August at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.
Natasha Joubert said of her exciting new role: “I am delighted that my first opportunity to host a television show is with Crown Chasers. I have always wanted to step into the hosting and presenting space – one day, I would love to be a sports presenter – so my goal has always been to get experience in the television field.
What can viewers expect this time around?
Natasha continued: “This season will once again offer something different. We will be changing up the challenges each week so that the person who eventually takes the crown will be equipped for her new role. For me, this is the purpose of Crown Chasers – to expect the unexpected when it comes to what Miss South Africa is.
“It’s not just about glitz and glamour, but it is a really hard and demanding job.
“Viewers are going to get to know the contestants and see them develop and grow week-on-week and see who we get those who make it to the live finale.”
WHAT ABOUT ZOZI TUNZI?
On social media, many Miss SA fans questioned the absence of former Crown Chasers host Zozi Tunzi.
According to Zimoja, the 2019 winner, who became Miss Universe, allegedly parted with the pageant on bad terms.
Zozi was a no-show for the 2023 Miss SA crowning. She also unfollowed the official account on Instagram and removed “Miss SA 2019” from her IG bio.
According to Zimoja, Zozi was allegedly requested to fit the bill of her wardrobe expenses on Crown Chasers.
Her manager, Tumi Moema, confirmed the dress dispute.
He said: “Zozi has nothing to do with the payment of the stylist. That was not our agreement. I will take it up with them”.
‘SHE IS ALWAYS WELCOME’
The South African reached out to Miss SA for an official comment following Zozi Tunzi’s notable absence at the 2023 Miss SA finale.
It said in a statement: “Zozibini Tunzi is an in-demand personality with a full schedule. Other than that, the Miss South Africa Organisation cannot speak to Ms Tunzi’s calendar nor her social media activity. However, she is always welcomed and celebrated at any Miss South Africa event.”
“The Miss South Africa Organisation entered into a comprehensive contract with Ms Tunzi and her management in respect of her services for Crown Chasers and she has been paid in full accordingly. We hope that any issues her wardrobe suppliers may be having with her management in this regard are resolved soonest”.
