Natasha Joubert

Miss Universe is an annual international beauty pageant that is run by the United States-based Miss Universe Organization. The contest is the largest pageant in the world in terms of live TV coverage, airing yearly in more than 190 countries worldwide to an audience of over 2.5 billion people. Along with Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Earth, Miss Universe is one of the Big Four international beauty pageants. The Miss Universe Organization and its brand, along with Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, are currently owned by the WME/IMG talent agency.

Those who competed for the crown were placed in real-life Miss South Africa scenarios that included a series of challenges. These were based on the four pillars of Miss South Africa – duty, championship, empowerment, and beauty. All the finalists moved into Miss SA HQ from where they were given tasks that tested their ability to showcase their interpretation of these four pillars. Their entrepreneurial and business skills were put to the test; they were asked to find innovative ways to encourage tourism, to show support for female-owned businesses, to raise money for charity, or showcase aspects of heritage. A challenge winner was selected each week by the judging panel.