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Bonang Matheba returns as host of Miss South Africa pageant

Mebala Multimedia

Leading South African media personality and style icon, Bonang Matheba, will once again host the Miss South Africa pageant on Sunday, August 13, at Sun International’s flagship venue, SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria.

Her House of BNG Cap Classique is also the official Miss South Africa celebration sponsor.

Matheba, or Queen B as she is affectionately known, has a long association with Miss South Africa and was part of the judging panel in 2014 which officially crowned Rolene Strauss, who later went on to be crowned Miss World. She was also the pageant’s host when it celebrated its 60thanniversary in 2018 and again in 2019 when Zozibini Tunzi took the title and was later crowned Miss Universe.

This year Matheba has played an even bigger role, having been on the journey with the finalists as a judge on the Miss South Africa television series Crown Chasers, which was broadcast for five weeks on SABC 3.

Matheba says she is delighted to be hosting the show once again.

“The Miss South Africa pageant is one of the biggest television productions in the country, so I am very excited to be hosting the show for a third time. It is an institution in South Africa and I am honoured. I remember gathering around the television when I was growing up and watching people like Basetsana Kumalo and Peggy Sue Khumalo taking the title; I remember where I was. To grow from a judge to a host and one of the sponsors of this event is an absolute honour. I love that I can showcase my talent and be part of it. The fact that is airing on the SABC means that it is accessible to all people and that’s very important to me.”

She says the show has changed since her involvement nearly a decade ago: “The growth of the pageant in terms of its footprint internationally has been impressive. People around the world, who are interested in pageantry, realise South Africa is a force to be reckoned with in global competitions. It has also evolved and is representative of where women are now, how they feel and what they want to achieve.”

What can audiences, both at home and at the arena, expect this year?

“I love that we are back on the SABC this year – I started with the corporation and now I am back hosting one of the most important shows of the year. It is going to be fanstastic – the production is wonderful with some international names (watch this space) and is a true celebration of Women’s Month. Expect beautiful dresses – I am going to put on a show and bring all the sparkle and the magic that I can!”

Her message to this year’s finalists is: “Zozibini won Miss Universe in 2019, which was the last time I hosted the show, so who knows what is going to happen this year. These contestants have been on a fabulous journey and this is the pinnacle. They must make wonderful memories as this is the beginning of their dreams coming true.”

Matheba, who owns the luxury beverage brand House of BNG, was the first black woman to become a member of the Cap Classique Producers Association. Of course, the lucky woman who is crowned Miss South Africa 2023 at the glittering pageant on Sunday will be celebrated with the raising of a glass of bubbly from the House of BNG.

Miss South Africa 2023 will be crowned at the SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria on Sunday, August 13. Booking at Ticketpro.

Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International. SABC3 is the official broadcast partner.

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