Natasha Joubert

"I’ve learnt not to become too complacent. I usually know that it’s time for change when I get to a point where a lot of things no longer excite me or when it feels like I’m settling. Then I know that it’s time to take a risk or introduce changes to my daily routine. Secondly, don’t only try one or twice — if you have to do something four times, then go for it! These days, failure is more common than success. If you study the lives of most successful people, they definitely didn’t get it right the first time around. For instance, my mother studied law when she was 18 and quit. She just recently got her law degree now at 50. The lesson? If there’s something that you genuinely want for yourself, go for it. Even if it means taking a break."

"In life you’re going to have to fight for the things you need and want. There are very few young people who have parents who can finance their future goals. And I was one of those kids. Saving my pageant winnings and working odd jobs as teenager and post-matric made me financially independent from a young age. At times, I’d have to borrow my mother money because she just couldn’t do it as a single mother. Granted, I grew up quicker than I would’ve liked to. Now that I’m running my own household, I fully understand how my mom struggled on her own after my dad’s passing. My wish is for young people to understand that having parents who fund their education and goals is a privilege that they should never take for granted – not a must!"

"When I entered Miss SA in 2020, the judges always advised us to bring our real selves to the competition if we really wanted to win. And I remember thinking: “What does that even mean?” But working with a therapist to heal my childhood traumas has been revolutionary. I wasn’t self-assured the first time around. The thought alone of admitting to being independent at a young age so that I could relieve my mother of any financial pressure, or the debilitating fact that we lost our home after my dad’s passing, would’ve embarrassed me or brought me to tears! But I now tell that story with pride in hopes that it will inspire many other young people to fight for their dreams like I did!"

"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."

"I was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety in my adulthood. It could’ve been earlier but I refused to go to therapy when my dad passed away in my teens. I didn’t want to be on medication chronically so we started on a really low dosage for a few months then eased it out. Eventually, I had to find coping mechanisms that would help me control the symptoms from the inside and exit that space of constantly wanting to be busy – and that’s where life coaching came in. I will always go to therapy for as long as circumstances allow me to."

"“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."

"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."

"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."

"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]."

"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 pledge to use this platform to advocate for the causes close to my heart and to be a source of inspiration for others. Entrepreneurship lies at the heart of innovation and economic growth. It is the driving force that propels nations forward, creating jobs, nurturing creativity, and fostering a spirit of resilience."

"I will also commit to cultivating an environment where entrepreneurial spirits can thrive. It pains me to know that more than half of South Africa’s youth lack the financial means to pursue their dreams. I was fortunate to receive a bursary that enabled me to continue my education, and I have been proactive in giving back. Not waiting for a crown on my head, I’ve been working to make a difference."

"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"

"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 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"

"The word that comes to mind is blessed. I have had 12 full months of living this dream job and giving over in two days does feel, I feel heartsore. Even though I have to have a lot of gratitude and be thankful I will definitely miss being Miss South Africa so actively"

"After Miss Universe, I struggled with depression. It was really hard for me. I started seeing a psychologist that August, I am still seeing her up until today. Highly recommend even if you struggle or not. Like mentally to stay on top of things and that where the big change came in"

"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"

"Huge congratulations to Natasha, our newly crowned Miss South Africa 2023. A worthy winner, she embodies the Miss South Africa Organisation’s vision that if you can dream it you can achieve it and that just one person can make a big difference. May this year’s winner inspire a nation. We can’t wait to see what she achieves. And well done to runner-up Bryoni and the other five finalists who gave it their all on the evening. We truly had a strong group of women vying for the crown this year, a testament to the importance and value that the Miss South Africa title has come to stand for."

"NATASHA JOUBERT IS CROWNED MISS SOUTH AFRICA 2023,Official Miss SA (Aug 14, 2023)retrieved 2025-04-05"