Shudufhadzo Musida also makes an appearance as the show goes to Mauritius
Former Miss South Africa Vanessa Carreira Coutroulis makes her appearance as a guest judge on the Miss South Africa television series Crown Chasers on Sunday (July 16) at 16h00. She joins the show’s regular judges Bonang Matheba and Leandie du Randt as the episode is filmed in Mauritius.
Carreira Coutroulis took the Miss South Africa crown in 2001 and was placed second runner-up at the Miss Universe competition.
Sunday’s episode sees the remaining 11 Miss South Africa finalists fly to Mauritius where they are tasked with creating a travel vlog of their experience in travelling internationally, some for the first time. They are given a fun beach challenge followed by a photo shoot with swimwear from Imbe by Miss South Africa 2020 Shudufhadzo Musida. The importance of protecting the oceans from climate change is showcased and the finalists meet Miss Universe Mauritius. At the end of the show, one contestant is eliminated, leaving 10 in the running to take the crown.
Carreira Coutroulis is delighted to be back in the Miss South Africa family.
“I have always enjoyed watching the transformation of the Miss South Africa finalists during their journey. From fresh faced hopefuls to glossy international ambassadors, the finalists and winners have always showcased the magnificence of South African culture. I hope I’ve brought my experience and insight with me. I represented South Africa at Miss Universe and even though the world has changed since I walked that stage more than 20 years ago, the fundamentals of what it takes to shine both at home and abroad remain unchanged. I hope that I can impart some practical advice based on my own personal insight.”
Carreira Coutroulis was impressed how the contestants handled the challenges: “The vlogs were a fun and interactive way for me to gain some insight into who these women are. It was also an opportunity for them to showcase their social media skills which will, of course, form an enormous part of their online presence moving forward. The daunting task of a swimsuit shoot gave the finalists a chance to show their body confidence and ability to perform under pressure. As for the final challenge of the ramp? Doing that in front of three industry judges requires nerves of steel and I think the finalists shone.”
Carreira Coutroulis believes that Crown Chasers has an important role to play: “If the misconceived notion that Miss South Africa is simply a beauty pageant needed any further dispelling, then this is the show to do it. Offering viewers unprecedented access and insight into the arduous journey to becoming an ambassador for our beautiful country, our finalists get a chance to shine and flex their intellectual, social and interpersonal prowess, whilst looking gorgeous of course! Viewers get to know their finalists and, by extension, their winner and they go through a rigorous training programme during which they are equipped with all the tools and insights necessary for their reign should they win.”
She explains what she is looking for in a potential Miss South Africa winner: “Miss South Africa needs to be inspiring and aspirational but always accessible and relatable. I am looking for poise, grace, intelligence and diplomacy in a woman who embodies South African resilience and fortitude with good humour and understands the monumental task before her. My advice to the finalists is to be bold! Strong, informed opinions count here. South Africa is a country of radical contrasts and although we differ as individuals, I believe that we are unified in our collective vision for what our country can be.”
Crown Chasers viewers and Miss South Africa fans are encouraged to vote for their favourite Crown Chaser via the official Miss South Africa App which can also be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Voting is open until August 7 at 10h00.
After the final episode of Crown Chasers is broadcast, seven finalists will remain to strut their stuff at the SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria on Sunday, August 13, in the hope of being crowned Miss South Africa 2023.
Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International. SABC3 is the official broadcast partner. The sponsors for the Crown Chasers Mauritius episode are World Leisure Holidays, SunLife, Long Beach Resort, Ile Aux Cerfs, Sugar Beach Resort. The swimwear photoshoot is sponsored by Intuition South Africa with swimwear from Imbe by Miss South Africa 2020 Shudufhadzo Musida for the photoshoot while Imprint ZA is the runway designer sponsor.