Miss South Africa 2023

 Will the new MUO allow the newly-crowned queen to compete again?

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Natasha Joubert is the newly-crowned Miss Universe South Africa. However, she already competed in the Miss Universe 2020 competition, alongside our representative Rabiya Mateo.

Joubert joined that year as an appointed delegate, as she won 2nd runner-up in the national pageant. She, however, did not place that year and was hailed as the 69th edition's "El Tocuyo" awardee. But now that she's won the crown and title, will she be allowed to compete anew?

Her winning has opened the debate amongst pageant fans worldwide. Since 1952, it's been a rule that no delegate can compete twice on the Miss Universe stage.

In a social media post, former Miss Universe Kenya Rachel MBuki Marete, who competed in the Miss Universe competition in 2005 representing her country, has this to say:

"Miss Universe doesn't allow contestants to compete twice unless the new ownership changes the rules. I know because my organization tried to ask if I could represent Kenya the year after I competed and they said it was against the rules," she shared.

Should Joubert be allowed to compete anew, she will make history as the first-ever entrant who was allowed to compete again. However, pageant aficionados are of the opinion that Joubert will be sent to either the Miss World or Miss Supranational pageant, and another queen from the Top 3 will represent Kenya in the 72nd Miss Universe instead.

The Miss Universe has started its 100-day countdown to the 72nd edition in El Salvador. By then, we would know for sure if Joubert competes again or not. Stay tuned!