Natasha Joubert

"Now I know that life is about balance. It’s all about knowing when to work hard and when to take time off or when to take things seriously and when not to overthink. I don’t take my Miss SA title too seriously. I dance when I’m at events, I’m definitely not stiff and stuck up. At the end of the day, everyone is literally just like you – they’re human. I want to be known as a Miss SA who gets the job done, but who’s also relatable and showcases the downfalls and the struggles. I don’t mind being an open book because it allows me to go through life freely and without feeling the need to filter certain things out."

"“I’ve never worked as hard as I did for Miss SA – little knowing that the hard work gets worse after being crowned [chuckles]. There will always be those people who feel that you didn’t deserve an opportunity, but no one can ever tell you that you’re not fit for anything if you give it your all."

"My favourite form of unwinding is lying on the couch and enjoying a good series, or being with family and friends, walking my dogs, lying in the sun, swimming at my grandparents’ house or sitting in front of the fire with my boyfriend in winter. It’s really the small things that bring me the greatest joy."

"“I’m in my 20s now and understand that I haven’t reached the pinnacle of who I want to be. I don’t want to be so consumed by life’s responsibilities, or rush through it, without ever stopping to reflect on the next step and carefully mapping out who I want to be. I want to constantly challenge myself to grow after ticking off a goal and to do everything with intention."

"I love travelling locally — the Western Cape Winelands and the Kruger National Park being firm favourites. I get PTSD from travelling internationally. My bag is always overweight, I always worry about the possibility of missing the flight and then I’m constipated for four days after returning. When I land back in SA, I always think to myself, ‘I don’t know why I paid that much just to want to be back home [chuckles]."

"Gym for me was always about releasing endorphins. I really can’t promise myself that I’ll commit to exercising as regularly and as intensely as I did before and during the Miss SA preps – and that’s also okay. My work schedule simply doesn’t allow me to. The smaller things like walking my dogs and hiking with my family will have to do for now."

"This moment is the epitome of a full circle moment for me. A dream that started 11 years ago – and which three years ago did come to fruition after proudly representing my country on an international stage at Miss Universe at Miss Universe South Africa – has today become a reality. It took a lot of hard work, grit, self-confidence and support to keep my dream alive and to keep on believing in the beauty of second chances. It is a journey that I will forever be grateful for which moulded and shaped me into the woman I am today."

"I am humbled at the response I received and, together with Boston, am selecting 12 candidates whose names we will announce shortly. The motivational letters I received from applicants were moving. It is heart-breaking that financial constraints obstruct the aspirations of so many talented individuals. It has just strengthened my commitment to do as much as possible, in the education and entrepreneurial spaces, to make a difference in some people’s lives. I’ve said it before that education should never be a privilege limited to the fortunate few"

"Hey guys, good tears. I have always been super transparent with doing therapy and just staying on top of my emotions, thoughts and feelings. And so I was just at my psychologist and I have three weeks left of being Miss SA and I am so heartsore"

"I will continue doing my duties and building on the legacy, there’s something so special about the year you are Miss South Africa – the people you get to meet, children and girls you get to interact with, it’s such a privilege. I will find myself quite frequently going through my camera roll and looking at pictures"

"Like why don’t we talk about how hard it is to end off a reign and such a special chapter in one’s life"

"I do not rely on talent but on my work ethic and hard work. We easily forget that this is a process of upliftment, and only focusing on the crown and not the daily successes is where you can easily compare yourself, not have compassion for yourself, and ultimately have self-doubt about your abilities"