South African television viewers got to meet the Top 16 in the running for the Miss South Africa 2024 title in Crown Chasers at the weekend; now it’s time to meet the dynamic all-female team behind the thrilling reality show.
At the helm for the third time is Relebogile Mabotja who serves as executive and series producer of Crown Chasers Season 3 (CC3). She is also the award-winning producer of the Miss South Africa 2022 live finale and is director of Black Swan Media with business partner Bruce Townsend. She has been in the creative industry for more than 20 years and is the afternoon radio host of 702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja as well as the television host of Unpacked with Relebogile Mabotja.
Series director for CC3 is Mohube Rapodile who has more than two decades experience in the industry having directed shows such as Love and Hip Hop SA andThe Real Housewives of Johannesburg as well as Idols SA and Idols Nigeria.
Claire Morris, the content director and scriptwriter for CC3, has worked on shows like MasterChef SA, Netflix’s Love Never Lies SA, Come Dine With Me SA and the UK’s Noah’s Ark.
Also on the team is Chantelle Arends who serves as art director and set designer for CC3. A seasoned production designer and art director, she has worked in multiple genres on shows such as Amazon Prime’s Last One Laughing SA hosted by Trevor Noah, Netflix’s Young, Famous and African, Survivor and Big Brother Angola-Mozambique, Touching Lives Nigeria and Healthline Ghana.
Mabotja believes that Crown Chasers is a game changer in the pageantry world and is delighted and proud to be part of the series again this year.
“As the world catches on to what really goes into taking on this journey, we are able to appreciate it even more. And there is no better country than South Africa to be at the forefront of it. Getting to watch the contestants transform on this journey is epic. Few get the opportunity to have a lifetime of experiences in a short period of time where they return home inspired, deepened and possibly clearer on who they are and what they want. As viewers, we not only get to witness it but we also get to be inspired and moved,” she says.
So what can viewers expect from CC3 this year? “They will see some serious diversity in these phenomenal women, judges that are bringing their all to the table by being so invested in the process, truly testing and character building challenges and, of course, beautiful storytelling and entertainment.”
Mabotja believes that an all-female team brings a special dynamic to the show.
“I think I have always had a personal agenda to ensure my professional spaces allow for more seats at the table for women. There were periods when I didn’t see many that looked like me doing what I do, but my professional journey has had solid women supporting, uplifting and backing me. It’s an ongoing cycle of learning and leaning. Being one of the few who do what I do is bitter sweet at times because it is long overdue, but provides me with the honour and privilege of sending the elevator down to others. Representation really does matter and the work is far from being done and far from over. Best of all though, is collaborating with women on a project for women!”
The second episode of CC3 will be broadcast on S3 on Saturday, July 6, at 20h30 with a repeat on Sunday, July 7, at 13h00.
The chase officially begins for the Top 16 in a celebration of the beauty of heritage and being Proudly South African. A cooking challenge tests their teamwork and gives them the opportunity to share dishes that are not only meaningful to them as individuals, but also that showcase the food of their culture. A fun dance challenge has the teams bringing the MoFaya to the floor. And they shine through the lens in the light of the elegance and beauty that their ancestors have passed down to them. The first elimination of the season reminds the finalists that this is a competition. Resident judges Leandie du Randt and Lerato Kganyago are joined by singer Makhadzi.
The 2024 winner will be crowned at Sun International’s flagship venue, the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria on Saturday, August 10, in what promises to be a spectacular and entertainment-packed show that will, once again fittingly, take place during Women’s Month.
Download the Miss South Africa app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International. S3 is the official broadcast partner.
Go to:
- https://www.misssa.co.za
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MissSouthAfricaOfficial - Twitter: @Official_MissSA
- Instagram: @official_misssa
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/
MissSouthAfricaOfficial - Download the Miss South Africa App from the Apple App Store or Google Play store
NOTES FOR EDITORS
The Miss South Africa Top 16 are (in alphabetical order):
- Chidimma Adetshina (23) from Pimville in Soweto, Gauteng, is a model, netball player and a Bachelor of Law student at Varsity College.
- Kebalepile Ramafoko (25), is from Emalahleni, Mpumalanga. She has a BA in Psychology and Languages and is currently pursuing her Honours Degree.
- Kirsten Khan (26), from Roodepoort, Gauteng, is a model and has completed her studies for a diploma in architectural draughting from Damelin College.
- Layla Zoubair (29) is from Kempton Park in Gauteng and is an outgoing and outspoken individual who thrives on challenges and exploring.
- Lebohang Khoza (27) comes from Maritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, and is an educator of the performing arts. She is a choreographer and actor and has a BA degree in Performing Arts from the University of KwaZulu Natal.
- Lethaukuthula Maseko (24), aka the “Diamond From Daveyton”, describes herself as a beacon of hope and resilience.
- Mia le Roux (28) was born in Sasolburg, Free State and raised in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape. She is a marketing manager, model and part-time B Com Marketing student.
- Naledi Matlakala (24), from Midrand in Gauteng, is a B Com Law student with a BA (Psychology and Criminology) from the University of Pretoria.
- Nobuhle Langa (26), from Emalahleni in Mpumalanga, is an audit trainee aiming to register as a Chartered Accountant. She is the founder of the Langelihle Youth Foundation, has a Bachelor of Accounting Science from Wits University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy from IAS (Institute of Accounting Science).
- Nolene Spinks (23) is representing Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. She is currently working as a Montessori pre-school teacher. She recently launched her first solo single Hou Bene Hou and aims to release her next song later this year.
- Nompumelelo Maduna (28), from Rockville in Soweto, is a marketer by profession, pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Johannesburg.
- Onalenna Constantin (26), from Potchefstroom in North West, has many talents. She is a model, a law student, entrepreneur and content creator.
- Ontshiametse Tlhopane is a 23-year-old aspiring model from Protea Glen, Soweto. She has qualifications in criminology inspired by her curiosity about why crime is committed.
- Palesa Lombard (25) is from Waverley in Johannesburg and is a final year medical student interested in neurological pathologies.
- Reinette Potgieter, aged 26 and hailing from Trichardt in Mpumalanga, has attained a B Ed Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching degree from the University of Pretoria.
- Taahira Katz (25) is from Nancefield in Soweto and has a degree in Social Science. She has travelled the world as an international model.
Issued by Ninesquared Communications and Events on behalf of the Miss South Africa Organisation. For more information contact Janine Walker on janine@ninesquared.co.za or Grant Bushby on grant@jagcomms.org