Media personality Andile Ncube is the latest guest judge to appear on the Miss South Africa television series Crown Chasers, which will be broadcast on S3 on Saturday, July 27 at 20h30 (with a repeat on Sunday at 13h00).
Having spent almost 15 years in the entertainment industry, Ncube is currently the host of Sports Amplified on Metro FM and is one of the hosts of Laduma. He joins the show’s regular judges Leandie du Randt and Lerato Kganyago.
In the penultimate episode of Crown Chasers 2024, the 13 finalists take on a challenge to test their resilience, endurance and mental strength in a celebration of health and wellness. It’s teamwork and fun in a fast-paced show that has the Chasers racing to the finale. Who will make it to the finish line and who will run out of time when the chase comes to a surprising end?
Ncube is delighted to be joining the judging panel: “When some people think Crown Chasers, they think beauty pageant, but it is much more than that! With this show, viewers have front row seats to witness the evolution of the contestants, watching some morph right in front of them and getting to know the one who will ultimately be crowned queen. You can take a lot of what happens in an episode and use it in your own life, and it was great being a small part of that.
“I have been a fan of Miss South Africa since Jacqui Mofokeng took the title in 1993, so to finally be a part of it was almost like getting a call from one of the Avengers, from Captain America saying ‘Hey, come on up, we’ve got something that we need you to do!’ I loved every minute of it and I felt as if I was part of the team that I've been watching for years.”
Ncube answered some questions ahead of the episode which is titled Mind, Body and Crown.
Tell us about the challenges the contestants faced and what it said about them?
In one of the challenges, the contestants had promote the Miss South Africa sponsors on social media. They used their own personal stories which was hugely impactful and they often had to be very vulnerable in doing so. We see ourselves reflected in their stories. One of the big things that came out of this week was the importance of mental health and there were so many advocates. I was also impressed how they worked together in groups – as Miss South Africa, you might be the queen but you need the prince and princesses, the jokers and everyone who forms a kingdom if it is to work and thrive. It was interesting to see the leaders and the followers with everyone playing their part.
What are you looking for when it comes to a potential Miss South Africa 2024?
When I used to watch the crowning on television, I thought it was simple – you are looking for the most beautiful girl - although that’s such a loaded statement and what does that even mean? Once you get to be a part of it, there’s so much more to consider. All the contestants are beautiful but I was looking for ‘the more’ that we talk about, and boy did I find it in abundance!
Any advice for the contestants?
It’s simple – you are one of one. You need to be your true self because if you're not and you're too busy being someone else, it means that someone else is the true Miss South Africa.
The Miss South Africa 2024 winner and ultimate Crown Chaser will be crowned at Sun International’s SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria on Saturday, August 10. VIP and general access tickets are on sale at Ticketpro, the Miss South Africa website and the Miss South Africa app.