Category: Media Office

Johannesburg, 10 August 2023 – SABC Video Entertainment celebrates the 17th Annual South African Film and Television Awards with 51 nominations. At the forefront is SABC1 with 24 nominations, followed by SABC2 with 20 nominations and S3 with seven nominations.

In the running for the public votes for Best TV Presenter are Kamo Moth (Heavy Hitters), Emo Adams (Noot vir Noot), Denver Vraagom (Words and Numbers) and Katlego Maboe (Tropika Island of Treasure All Stars). 

Viewers will also get another opportunity to vote for their favourite soapies with Generations: The Legacy, Giyani Land of Blood, Muvhango, Skeem Saam, The Estate and Uzalo nominated in the public votes category of Most Popular TV Soap Or Telenovela. 

Voting lines will be open from 9 August 2023, and the voting codes will be available on all SAFTAs social media platforms and the NFVF website. Voting will close on 27 September 2023 at 23h59.

In the documentary categories, SABC1s Lobola, A Brides True Price? received two nominations, Best Achievement In Directing and Best Documentary Feature and Pale Ya Kosa on SABC2 nominated for Best Achievement In Editing.

Takalani Sesame and Words and Numbers was nominated in the children category for Best Children Programmes.

Skeem Saam scored four nominations in the categories Best Supporting Actress (Dieketseng Mnisi), Best Supporting Actor (Refilwe Letsholonyane), Best Actress in a TV Soap (Elizabeth Serunye and Hariette Manamela).

Best Actor In TV Comedy nominations goes to Kwa Mamazala Michael Mabizela and Ou Toppies Tobie Cronje.

SABC Video Entertainment SAFTA 2023 nominees list

Category	Programme Title	Production House / Practitioner	Channel
Best Achievement In Editing, Documentary	Pale Ya Kosa	Leeroy Moyo	SABC2
Best Achievement In Directing – Documentary	Lobola, A Bride’s True Price?	Sihle Hlophe	SABC1
Best Documentary Short	Tribe	Just Films	SABC2
Best Documentary Feature	Lobola, A Bride’s True Price?	Passion Seed Communications	SABC1
Best Children’s Programme	Takalani Sesame	Sesame Workshop South Africa	SABC2
	Words and Numbers Series 10	Johan Stemmet Entertainment Enterprises	SABC2
Best Factual Programme	Ingono Yomsamo	Bar leader TV	SABC1
	Rebounders: Grizelda Grootboom	Red Sugar Productions	SABC2
Best Competition Reality Show	Dance Yo Dumo S1	Urban Brew Studios	SABC1
	The Taste Master SA	Cardova Productions	SABC2
	Tropika Island of Treasure All Stars	Cardova Productions	S3
Best Structured Reality Show	DJ Zinhle – The Unexpected	Brightfire Pictures & Rawkraft Media	SABC1
Best Structured Or Docu-Reality Show	Love Goes Wild S1	Trace TV	S3
	Spyskaart	Media Club Productions	SABC2
Best Entertainment Programme	In Die Kollig Met Series 2	Stemmburg Television	SABC2
	Noot vir Noot Series 46	Stemmburg Television	SABC2
Best Achievement In Sound – TV Comedy	Ses’Top La	Kurt Slabbert	SABC1
Best Achievement In Art Direction – TV Comedy	Ou Toppies S1	Louisa Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen	SABC2
Best Achievement In Scriptwriting -Tv Comedy	Ou Toppies S1	Ou Toppies S1	SABC2
Best Achievement In Cinematography -Tv Comedy	Karavaan	Sunel Haasbroek	SABC2
Best Achievement In Scriptwriting – Tv Drama	Good Men	Portia Gumede, Steven Pillemer, Christo Davids, Duduzile Zamantungwa Mabaso & Sunni Faba	SABC1
Best Achievement In Wardrobe – TV Soap/Telenovela	The Estate	Vuyo Mokoena, Talya Smith & Zanele Shibiti	S3
Best Achievement In Art Direction – TV Soap/Telenovela	The Estate	Philiswa Sithole & Nomonde Ngema	S3
Best Achievement In Scriptwriting – Telenovela	Giyani – Land of Blood	Phathutshedzo Makwarela & Gwydion Beynon	SABC2
Best Achievement In Scriptwriting – TV Soap	Generations: The Legacy	MMSV Productions	SABC1
	Uzalo	Clive Madiya, Busisiwe Matonsi Zwane, Lorato Phefo & Pusetso Thibedi	SABC1
Best Supporting Actress In A TV Soap	Skeem Saam	Dieketseng Mnisi	SABC1
Best Supporting Actor In A TV Soap	Skeem Saam	Katlego Letsholonyana	SABC1
Best Supporting Actor In A Telenovela	Giyani- Land of Blood	Charles Baloyi	SABC2
Best Actress In A TV Soap	Generations – The Legacy	Refilwe Madumo	SABC1
	Skeen Saam	Elizabeth Serunye	SABC1
	Skeem Saam	Harriet Manamela	SABC1
Best Actress In A Telenovela	The Estate	Jo-Anne Reyneke	S3
Best Supporting Actress In A TV Drama	Makoti	Charmaine Mtinta	SABC1
Best Actor In A TV Drama	Makoti	Craig Urbani	SABC1
Makoti	Don Nawa	SABC1
Ubettina Wethu	Jason Willemse	SABC1
Best Supporting Actor In A TV Comedy	Ses’Top La	Trevor Gumbi	SABC1
	Ses’Top La	Warren Masemola	SABC1
Best Actor In A TV Comedy	Kwa Mamazala	Michael Mabizela	SABC2
	Ou Toppies	Tobbie Cronje	SABC2
Best TV Presenter (Public Vote)	Heavy Hitters	Kamo Moth	SABC1
	Noot Vir Noot 46	Emo Adams	SABC2
	Tropika Island of Treasure All Stars	Katlego Maboe	S3
	Words and Numbers 10	Denver Vraagom	SABC2
Most Popular TV Soap Or Telenovela (Public Vote)	Generations: The Legacy	MMSV Productions	SABC1
	Giyani Land of Blood	Tshedza Pictures	SABC2
	Muvhango 23	Word of Mouth	SABC2
	Skeem Saam	Peu	SABC1
	The Estate	Clive Morris Productions	S3
	Uzalo	Stained Glass TV	SABC1

Congratulations to all the nominees.

Reigning Miss Universe, R’Bonney Nola Gabriel, will join four other leading South African personalities on this year’s Miss South Africa judging panel. They are Leandie du Randt, Thuso Mbedu, Devi Sankaree Govender and Jo-Ann Strauss.

Gabriel (29) – an American fashion designer, model and beauty queen who was previously crowned Miss USA 2022 –  became the ninth entrant from the United States to win the Miss Universe title, succeeding Harnaaz Sandhu of India.

Sitting alongside Gabriel on the Miss South Africa judging panel will be:

• Actress, presenter, voice artist, model, author and entrepreneur, Leandie du Randt, who also served as a judge on the Miss South Africa television series Crown Chasers.
• Actor Thuso Mbedu, who first rose to prominence in the teen drama series Is’Thunzi, for which she was nominated for an International Emmy in 2017 and 2018. In 2021 she starred in The Underground Railroad which earned her an Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Performance in a New Scripted Series. Last year Mbedu made her feature film debut in The Woman King alongside Viola Davis, John Boyega and former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi
• South African media icon and award-winning investigative television journalist Devi Sankaree Govender who was also on the judging panel last year. Govender appeared on Carte Blanche for 18 years and gained a reputation for being fearless in highlighting corruption and crime. She is now the Executive Producer and anchor of The Devi Show on eTV and eNCA.
• Media entrepreneur, international speaker, board member of a number of companies  and former Miss South Africa title holder Jo-Ann Strauss who, in 2001, represented South Africa at the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants.

And what will the judges be looking for in a winner?

Says Du Randt: “I am looking for the woman that has that Miss South Africa feel to her when she walks into the room. Someone who must be able to be the best version of herself at all times, and someone who is memorable, has a presence and a purpose in her heart to serve and lead the country in being the best it can be.”

Govender adds: “I’ll be looking for the one that has intelligence, frankness, boldness and a strong drive to bring about social change, as well as agility and a sharp sense of humour.”

A final word to Ayanda Mackay, Marketing Manager for L’Oréal Paris Skin and Hair: “We are honoured to be an official sponsor of Miss South Africa 2023 and thrilled to have the L’Oréal Paris Sub-Saharan Ambassador Thuso Mbedu join the judging panel. This partnership allows us to support and uplift women as they redefine what it means to be a beauty queen. We believe that when women are empowered, they can achieve anything they set their minds to, and we are proud to be a part of this incredible platform.”

Miss South Africa 2023 will take home prizes and sponsorships worth more than R3 million.

The Top 7 competing for the crown are Anke Rothmann (23) from the Northern Cape; Bryoni Govender (26) from Gauteng; Homba Mazaleni (23) from the Eastern Cape; Jordan van der Vyver (27), from the Western Cape; Melissa Nayimuli (27) from the Eastern Cape; Nande Mabala (25), from the Western Cape and Natasha Joubert (25) from Gauteng.

The Miss South Africa pageant, which takes place on Sunday at Sun International’s flagship venue, the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria, promises to be a spectacular and entertainment-packed show and takes place during Women’s Month. Miss South Africa 2023 will be broadcast live on SABC 3 from 18h30 and streamed live for an international audience on the Miss South Africa app. Bookings to attend the live pageant are open at Ticketpro.

Download the Miss South Africa App from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.

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

Go to:

• https://www.misssa.co.za
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/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

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

Designer Nobukhosi Mukwevho is theguest judge on episode 4 of the Miss South Africa television series Crown Chasers which airs on Sunday, July 30 at 16h00 on SABC 3. She joins the show’s regular judges Bonang Matheba and Leandie du Randt along with series’ host Zozibini Tunzi.

Episode 4, titled Honouring our Heritage, shows the importance of understanding the many cultures and backgrounds that exist in South Africa. The first challenge introduces the finalists to Banyana Banyana, ahead of their departure for the World Cup, and showcases the value of national pride. The finalists also create their favourite dish and explain what it means to them. For their main challenge, they will give a five-minute TED Talk about their heritage, how their community and family has become an integral part of who they are and why they should represent the Miss South Africa brand. The episode ends with a photo shoot that focuses on African cultures.

Mukwevho is the founder of the dynamic South African fashion brand @Khosinkosi and served as a judge for the Miss South Africa Top 30 last year.

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.

Go to:

• https://www.misssa.co.za
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/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

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

Miss South Africa finalist Natasha Joubert has won her second Crown Chasers challenge on SABC3 with an impressive back-to-back win.

In Episode 3 titled Down to Businessthe remaining 10 Miss South Africa finalists were introduced to MoFaya energy drinks and asked to create their own innovative energy drink can and build a business plan or marketing strategy for their product.

Joubert was named the episode’s winner, hot on the heels of her win in Mauritius the previous week.

Joubert says she was delighted with her double victory: “The two challenges were very different from one another but in both I could use my creative side. These challenges are exactly what they say they are … challenging! However, I want to always put myself in the position to think differently and grow.”

She doesn’t believe that taking the top spot has put extra pressure on her.

“As soon as you see you are capable, you want to push your own limits. I definitely surprised myself and I want to stay as consistent as possible. Every week is nerve-wracking as many of the challenges are a first for me.”

What did she particularly like about this Sunday’s challenge? “The creativity and team effort behind it. We got to work in teams and Nande and I were both so excited that we could express our heritage and background. I am more of a visual person, so this was a challenge where you could express yourself. As soon as you believe in your design and the story behind it, it becomes easy to present it whole-heartedly.”

What can viewers expect from her in the remaining episodes? “A lot of vulnerability! There are many days where I feel extremely vulnerable so share and show parts of myself like never before. When I did Miss South Africa in 2020 it did not give me a lot of opportunity to show a lot of myself. With Crown Chasers, people are getting to know my humour and my emotions and see how I always try to push and grow. I get to show them my growth and readiness,” she says.

There was a shock announcement at the end of this week’s episode when finalist Levern Jose make the decision to leave the competition for personal reasons, meaning that no contestant was voted out.

The next episode of Crown Chasers will be broadcast on SABC3 on Sunday, July 30, at 16h00. TitledHonouring our Heritage, the importance of understanding the vast cultures and backgrounds that exist in South Africa is the focus. The first mini challenge introduces the finalists to Banyana Banyana ahead of their departure to the World Cup. The team, together with the finalists, have a bootcamp and showcase the importance of national pride. Each finalist is then tasked with creating a meal and explaining what the food means to her before fellow contestants get a chance to taste the dish. For their main challenge, finalists present a five-minute TED Talk about their heritage, how their community and family have become an integral part of who they are and why they should represent the Miss South Africa brand. A photo shoot will focus on African cultures with an end-of-episode elimination. Guest judge is the award-winning fashion designer Khosi Nkosi.

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 from now until August 7 at 10h00.

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

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

Go to:

• https://www.misssa.co.za
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/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

For more information and interview opportunities contact the S3 Publicity office.

Don’t miss Crown Chasers on Sundays (16:00) and the repeat (22:00). The live broadcast of Miss South Africa 2023 is Sunday, 13th of August (19:00), kicking off with the Red Carpet at (18:30) and will be repeated on the 28th of August (21:30) on S3 and SABC Plus. SABC+ is available for download from Apple and Android App Stores.

For the first time since everybody’s favourite guessing game hit our screens – and after the identities of sevenhigh-profile personalities had been revealed – The Masked Singer South Africa’s four detectives finally solved a mystery together.

When the time arrived for the elegantly wired Robot to show her beautiful human face, detectives J’Something, Somizi Mhlongo, Sithelo Shozi and Skhumba Hlophe all named Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi.

However, it took quite a while for the four investigators to reach their lightbulb moment

This week, the second group of remaining bizarre, costumed characters competed to keep their anonymity intact. Robot opened the show, followed by Doughnut, Lollipop, Fox, and Lion.

In her humorous pre-recorded clue package, Robot transmitted in an Eastern meditation pose that, as technical as she is, there is no AI in her self-care. Then, the camera zoomed into some badges; whereafter we saw Robot gracing the cover of a magazine. The Masked Singer South Africa’s sentient humanoid also revealed that her body art “had people in a frenzy” and that she transferred her downloads to two other machines.  

Following Robot’s electrifying performance of Whitney Houston’s “I wanna dance with somebody”, J’Something gauged that Robot was not a musician. Still, he complimented her voice – his favourite on the show. The names Amanda du Point and Linda Mtobo crossed J’Something’s mind.

For Sithelo, Robot’s magazine cover and exquisite physique signaled the word “model”. Hence, Sithelo’s guesses were Joelle Kayembe or Rosette Ncwane.

Robot’s previous performances on the show prompted Somizi to believe that the lady behind the mask is a beauty pageant winner. The feminine long-legged masked singer gave him “Zozibini vibes.” But that was before this week’s clue package with the Asian meditation setting, which convinced him it was Lalla Hirayama. For starters, Lalla is Japanese, and Japan is where one finds all Robot’s tech stuff.   

Skhumba agreed with Somizi but did not discard the possibility of Robot being Zozi.

When the Men in Black brought Robot’s final clue – a physical item –onto the stage, Robot explained the bowl of soup with a line from Oliver Twist: “Please, Sir, can I have some more.”

 J’Something was caught off-guard. Was it perhaps one of his guesses from long ago, Bonang Matheba? Because Bonang dated D’Banj, whose hit song is “Oliver Twist”? Yet, Amanda du Pont has her own make-up range.

But the soup confirmed Skhumba’s suspicion about Zozi. Miss Universes can eat for free wherever they go.

So, before the next Masked Singer, Doughnut, rolled onto the stage, the detectives locked in Amanda du Pont, Lalla Hirayama, Joelle Kayembe and Zozibini Tunzi.

After Robot received the fewest votes, leading to her unmasking, J’Something, Somizi, and Sithelo changed their tune. J’Something delved into his notes from previous episodes. Somizi realized Robot’s hand gestures were like those of a Miss Universe, and Sithelo recalled how a model in a Vogue magazine with tattoos was mistaken for Zozi.  

As Zozi’s mask dropped, host Mpho Popps’s jaw dropped. A Miss Universe was next to him on The Masked Singer South Africa stage!

Being on the show was a wonderful, enjoyable experience for our ravishing Miss Universe. “I did the show because I love to sing. It brings me pure joy. I loved every moment of living in that musical bubble where people had no idea who I was.”- Zozibini Tunzi.

The Masked Singer South Africa is screened on S3 on Saturdays at 18:30 and SABC1 on the same night at 20:00. 

Lungo Katete becomes second Miss South Africa finalist
voted out of Crown Chasers

Twenty-six year old Lungo Katete – who hails from Midrand in Gauteng – became the second Miss South Africa finalist to be voted out of Crown Chasers, the behind-the-scenes Miss South Africa television series which debuted last week on SABC 3.

In the first episode – in which viewers first got to meet the 12 Miss South Africa 2023 finalists – Lebohang Raputsoe from Sharpeville was eliminated from the running.

In episode 2, the remaining 11 contestants travelled to Mauritius where they were tasked with creating a travel vlog, given a beach challenge and had to participate in a swimwear photoshoot. They also got to meet Miss Universe Mauritius. Judges Bonang Matheba and Leandie du Randt, along with guest judge Vanessa Carreira Coutroulis, then evaluated the finalists’ performances at a networking event and judged their first official photoshoot, with Katete leaving at the end of the episode.

Winner of the episode was Natasha Joubert.

Says Katete: “Participating in Crown Chasers was an unforgettable experience. I met some of the most wonderful women in South Africa and was surrounded by such an amazing organisation who made this journey worthwhile.

“I always thought that the moment I would cherish the most along this journey would be when I was told me that I made it to the Top 12, but the journey got better and better with each passing day. We got to travel to the beautiful island of Mauritius and experience the people, the culture and shoot on a beautiful private which is a moment I will never forget.

“To be eliminated was the hard part, but if there is one thing I can guarantee it is that my journey does not stop here.”

Katete, who holds a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Architectural Studies Honours and a Master of Architecture (Professional) Degree from the University of the Witwatersrand works as a candidate architect, describes her Miss South Africa journey thus: “It has been an unforgettable experience. For the longest time being the next Miss South Africa has always been a dream of mine. So to be granted the opportunity to live in that reality and be on this journey has been a dream come true and will always have a special place in my heart.”

How was it participating in Crown Chasers?

“Taking part in Crown Chasers was unforgettable, because the process is set up in such a way that you are challenged each week to allow you to grow and evolve and you learn so much about yourself. I met some of the most incredible women and was surrounded by an amazing organisation that made this journey worthwhile.”

Tell us about the challenges and what you found particularly difficult?

“Our very first challenge was to pack everything we needed to go to Mauritius in just 30 minutes and film the entire process to create a one minute packing video. Then just when we thought we could relax, our amazing host Zozibini Tunzi informed us that we would have to create a seven to 10 minute vlog of our time in Mauritius. As daunting as it was, my focus was to showcase Mauritius from my perspective and to show those watching who I am and what I am about. While in Mauritius we had an wonderful photoshoot; we were in a different country away from home which was a bit challenging but I always make sure I do my best in everything I do. On elimination day we had to strut our stuff in front of the judges. If there is one thing I can guarantee it is that my walk is an extension of who I am. It showcases not only my elegance but also my strength. So in that final challenge I made sure my presence was known!”

What is your message to the remaining Miss South Africa finalists?

“To my fellow contestants, it has been an honour and a privilege to meet you all and be on such an awesome journey with you. Always remember to be present and enjoy the journey. So often we get lost in the moment and forget to take in what’s going on around us. But it is important to allow yourself to stop and smell the roses along the way and enjoy it.”

What next for you?

“Right now my focus is on building the life I have always dreamt of, starting with my upcoming graduation to celebrate what I have been able to achieve this far and the dreams that are still to come.”

Do you have a message for your supporters?

“To all of those who have supported me along the way, I would like to take this moment to say thank you. Thank you for believing in me and for supporting me throughout this journey as I got to live a lifelong dream.”

Episode 3 of Crown Chasers – titled Down to Business – will be broadcast on Sunday, July 23 at 16h00 on SABC 3. This episode showcases the importance of understanding business. Finalists are introduced to MoFaya energy drinks and asked to create their own innovative energy drink can. They are briefed alongside a teammate to build a business plan or marketing strategy for their specific product. The episode closes with another elimination leaving just nine finalists. Guest judge is Ntandose Mosibi.

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 from now until August 7 at 10h00.

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

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 were 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.

Go to:
➢ https://www.misssa.co.za
➢ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/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

For more information and interview opportunities contact the S3 Publicity office.

Don’t miss Crown Chasers on Sundays (16:00) and the repeat (22:00). The live broadcast of Miss South Africa 2023 is Sunday, 13th of August (19:00), kicking off with the Red Carpet at (18:30) and will be repeated on the 28th of August (21:30) on S3 and SABC Plus. SABC+ is available for download from Apple and Android App Stores.

Miss South Africa | 2023 Campaign For Miss SA

Miss South Africa is a leadership platform for ambitious young South African women. Shudufhadzo Musida is the current reigning queen…

[11:45] Mmakobo Mokgopo
The Watermelon case is closed:Detective panel caught Devi Sankaree Govender in the act on The Masked Singer South Africa

South Africans know there’s no place to hide when award-winning investigative journalist Devi Sankaree Govender knocks on your door. For many years the pint-sized bulldog also kept television viewers on the edge of their seats, going undercover to expose what you have the right to see.   

But who would have thought that Devi would one day find a hiding place in a Watermelon costume, trying to evade a group of nosy detectives? Devi is the latest celebrity unmasked on the fun-filled mystery singing contest The Masked Singer South Africa.  

Initially, Devi’s sweet Watermelon case was a tough one to solve. But following her third act on stage, three of the four detectives nailed it.

After the first two rounds of the competition, during which six big-name stars lost the popularity vote, Devi made it to the final ten aiming to keep their identity a secret.

However, The Masked Singer South Africa reached a whole new level this week. Instead of the previous face-offs and head-to-heads, the game elevated to the phase where it is every Mask for themselves.

So, five of the costumed characters returned this week, while the other five will fight it out in the following episode. The Mask with the fewest votes in each group of five must show their face.   

Devi’s Watermelon competed against Sunflower, Tree, Elephant and Rhino.

Watermelon pulled out all the stops becoming a “Dancing Queen” with the classic Abba song. Detectives J’Something, Somizi Mhlongo, Sithelo Shozi and Skhumba Hlophe noted her every move and scrutinised the hints in her new crazy clue package.

The clue package disclosed that Watermelon’s history involved some crime scenes, and she wanted to be a lawyer. She also showed a photograph of Lionel Richie and noted, “My eldest seedling is where Michael Jordan spends many nights.” 

Somizi immediately ascertained that Watermelon was his age or slightly younger as Abba was all the rage in the 1970s, meaning she had to be in her 40s at least. Skhumba interpreted the song entirely differently. In his mind, Watermelon could only be former Miss South Africa Kerishnie Naicker. Skhumba recalled how “Dancing Queen” played when Kerishnie was crowned.

For the first time, each masked celebrity had to choose a physical item to assist the detective panel in completing the puzzle. Watermelon revealed a Miss South Africa sash, confirming Skhumba’s assumption. However, J’Something alerted Skhumba that Watermelon explained the item by saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

At this stage, J’Something thought Lerato Mbele could be Watermelon because she’s a news anchor with international connections. Somizi named Devi, while Sithelo pointed to journalist Iman Rappetti.

Once the votes were in, Watermelon seemed to be deflated by her fate.

As usual, the sleuths could lock in their final guesses, starting with J’Something. When he met Watermelon for the first time at the beginning of the series, he believed it was chef Kamini Pather, and this week he went with Lerato. Still, one week he was convinced it was someone who was a guest judge on his other television gig My Kitchen Rules, namely Devi.

Somizi agreed with J’Something, and Sithelo noted that she also predicted Devi during a former episode. Yet, Skhumba held onto “that sash thing” and Kerishnie Naicker.

Except for Skhumba, the panel finally solved a mystery together when Devi
emerged from the costume. Someone else who was utterly shocked was the show’s host Mpho Popps. He was on Devi’s TV show a while ago, raving about his role on The Masked Singer, and Devi’s lips were zipped about her involvement.

Devi expressed that The Masked Singer South Africa was a fantastic experience: “The whole reason I wanted to do it is that many people look at me on my show and think, ‘Yas, that chick, she’s hectic, and she’s heavy’. The Masked Singer shows that we all have so many different sides to our personalities.”

Yet, something bothered her. Why did the tiniest person have the biggest and heaviest mask? On Skhumba’s suggestion, Devi will return to investigate the matter.

Devi explained that the sash fooling Skhumba related to being a judge on Miss SA last year. And the Michael Jordan clue? Her daughter is a golfer who studies at the University of North Carolina.

The Masked Singer South Africa is screened on SABC3 on Saturdays at 18:30 and SABC 1 at 20:00, with a repeat on SABC 1 on Thursdays at 21:00. Join the guessing game on Twitter: #MaskedSingerSA.

In the first episode viewers got to meet the finalists in the running for the title of Miss South Africa 2023 and learn why they believe they should take the crown. The finalists were presented with their official sashes by Miss South Africa and Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi (who is also the series’ host) and current Miss South Africa Ndavi Nokeri.

Judges Bonang Matheba and Leandie du Randt, along with guest judge Dr Tamaryn Green Nxumalo, evaluated their performances at a networking event as well as during their first official photoshoot, with Raputsoe leaving at the end of the episode.

Reveals Raputsoe: “Crown Chasers was a roller coaster of emotions; intimidating, fun, sad, exhausting and liberating. The crew was amazing to work with, and while some of the content was difficult to film, it helped strengthen my character.

“I found the challenges on the day of the elimination the hardest as I am a heavy planner and doing things spontaneously has never been one of my strengths. I am a very honest and realistic person and believe that I could have done better. However, I also do not want to be too harsh on myself because I did my best. But I am always on a journey of self-development and will definitely work on the skills I need to polish,” she says.

Raputsoe, a 24-year-old HR professional with a Master’s degree in Human Resources management and degrees in Industrial Psychology and Labour Relations Management, describes her Miss South Africa journey: “It was full of surprises and a huge step out of my comfort zone. I was nervous and in a constant state of disbelief. One day I was just Lebohang and the next day I was a Miss South Africa 2023 finalist; what a dream. I met the most amazing ladies who I now call my friends. It was short lived but inspirational.

“The best part of the journey was getting to meet all those who entered and forming relationships with the crew, the finalists, the Miss South Africa team, sponsors and all the Miss South Africa supporters. The hardest part was getting sick and trying to maintain my energy while having early mornings and late evenings.”

Would she do it all over again? “At first I thought not. The disappointment that came with knowing I was eliminated was hard. However, after careful thought, I can say that I am content with ‘God’s timing’. I see how the journey has strengthened my character and, yes, I would do it all over again. The whole experience has taught me that I am extremely resilient and firm in my character as I do not allow any situation or circumstance to break or alter the person that I am.”

What now for Lebohang?

“I am looking to be an author and to realise and optimise more of my potential through taking on many other opportunities and to obtain my PHD. I will continue to pursue the vision that I stand for, which is the holistic progression of youth focusing on empowerment, development and sustainability.”

Her message for her fellow contestants:

“You are exactly where God wants you to be. Remember to continue to be the best version of yourself. We will always find ourselves in rooms full of opportunity and what’s yours will find you; only if you remain true to who you are. Don’t lose yourself, because it is that very true and genuine version that got you this far. I love you all so much and thank you for showing me so much love and support in return. It’s not a goodbye but see you later.”

Her message to her supporters:

“To everyone who supported me, I would like to say thank you. I am truly grateful to have represented everyone who believed in my dream just as much as I did. I would not be where I am without your love and support. You know me and my heart, and our journey does not end here. I will carry your love into the next opportunity that awaits me.”

The second episode of Crown Chasers will be broadcast on Sunday, July 16, at 16h00 on SABC3. The remaining contestants fly to Mauritius where they are tasked with creating a travel vlog of their experience in travelling internationally, some for the first time. The finalists are given a fun beach challenge followed by a photo shoot with swimwear from Imbe by former Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida. The importance of protecting the oceans from climate change is showcased and the finalists meet Miss Universe Mauritius. Guest judge is Miss South Africa 2001 Vanessa Carreira Coutroulis.

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 from now until August 7 at 10h00.

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

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

Go to:

• https://www.misssa.co.za
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/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

For more information and interview opportunities contact the S3 Publicity office.

Don’t miss Crown Chasers on Sundays (16:00) and the repeat (22:00). The live broadcast of Miss South Africa 2023 is Sunday, 13th of August (19:00), kicking off with the Red Carpet at (18:30) and will be repeated on the 28th of August (21:30) on S3 and SABC Plus. SABC+ is available for download from Apple and Android App Stores.

For media enquiries

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Sunday, July 9, 2023: Sharpeville’sLebohang Raputsoe became the first Miss South Africa finalist to be voted out of Crown Chasers, the behind-the-scenes Miss South Africa television series which debuted today on SABC 3.

In the first episode viewers got to meet the finalists in the running for the title of Miss South Africa 2023 and learn why they believe they should take the crown. The finalists were presented with their official sashes by Miss South Africa and Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi (who is also the series’ host) and current Miss South Africa Ndavi Nokeri.

Judges Bonang Matheba and Leandie du Randt, along with guest judge Dr Tamaryn Green Nxumalo, evaluated their performances at a networking event as well as during their first official photoshoot, with Raputsoe leaving at the end of the episode.

Reveals Raputsoe: “Crown Chasers was a roller coaster of emotions; intimidating, fun, sad, exhausting and liberating. The crew was amazing to work with, and while some of the content was difficult to film, it helped strengthen my character.

“I found the challenges on the day of the elimination the hardest as I am a heavy planner and doing things spontaneously has never been one of my strengths. I am a very honest and realistic person and believe that I could have done better. However, I also do not want to be too harsh on myself because I did my best. But I am always on a journey of self-development and will definitely work on the skills I need to polish,” she says.

Raputsoe, a 24-year-old HR professional with a Master’s degree in Human Resources management and degrees in Industrial Psychology and Labour Relations Management, describes her Miss South Africa journey: “It was full of surprises and a huge step out of my comfort zone. I was nervous and in a constant state of disbelief. One day I was just Lebohang and the next day I was a Miss South Africa 2023 finalist; what a dream. I met the most amazing ladies who I now call my friends. It was short lived but inspirational.

“The best part of the journey was getting to meet all those who entered and forming relationships with the crew, the finalists, the Miss South Africa team, sponsors and all the Miss South Africa supporters. The hardest part was getting sick and trying to maintain my energy while having early mornings and late evenings.”

Would she do it all over again? “At first I thought not. The disappointment that came with knowing I was eliminated was hard. However, after careful thought, I can say that I am content with ‘God’s timing’. I see how the journey has strengthened my character and, yes, I would do it all over again. The whole experience has taught me that I am extremely resilient and firm in my character as I do not allow any situation or circumstance to break or alter the person that I am.”

What now for Lebohang?

“I am looking to be an author and to realise and optimise more of my potential through taking on many other opportunities and to obtain my PHD. I will continue to pursue the vision that I stand for, which is the holistic progression of youth focusing on empowerment, development and sustainability.”

Her message for her fellow contestants:

“You are exactly where God wants you to be. Remember to continue to be the best version of yourself. We will always find ourselves in rooms full of opportunity and what’s yours will find you; only if you remain true to who you are. Don’t lose yourself, because it is that very true and genuine version that got you this far. I love you all so much and thank you for showing me so much love and support in return. It’s not a goodbye but see you later.”

Her message to her supporters:

“To everyone who supported me, I would like to say thank you. I am truly grateful to have represented everyone who believed in my dream just as much as I did. I would not be where I am without your love and support. You know me and my heart, and our journey does not end here. I will carry your love into the next opportunity that awaits me.”

The second episode of Crown Chasers will be broadcast on Sunday, July 16, at 16h00 on SABC3. The remaining contestants fly to Mauritius where they are tasked with creating a travel vlog of their experience in travelling internationally, some for the first time. The finalists are given a fun beach challenge followed by a photo shoot with swimwear from Imbe by former Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida. The importance of protecting the oceans from climate change is showcased and the finalists meet Miss Universe Mauritius. Guest judge is Miss South Africa 2001 Vanessa Carreira Coutroulis.

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 from now until August 7 at 10h00.

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

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

Go to:

• https://www.misssa.co.za
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/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

For more information and interview opportunities contact the S3 Publicity office.

Don’t miss Crown Chasers on Sundays (16:00) and the repeat (22:00). The live broadcast of Miss South Africa 2023 is Sunday, 13th of August (19:00), kicking off with the Red Carpet at (18:30) and will be repeated on the 28th of August (21:30) on S3 and SABC Plus. SABC+ is available for download from Apple and Android App Stores.

For media enquiries

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za