Suzette van der Merwe Guest Judge On Crown Chasers This Week

Former Miss South Africa Suzette van der Merwe is celebrity judge on final episode of Crown Chasers

Former Miss South Africa, Suzette van der Merwe, is the latest celebrity judge to appear on the television series Crown Chasers, the final episode of which will be broadcast on S3 on Saturday, August 3 at 20h30 (with a repeat on Sunday at 13h00).

Crowned in 1990, Van der Merwe – who still looks every bit as radiant as the day she won the title – morphed from pageant titleholder to senior executive in charge of corporate Social Investment at a major telecom company with ease and now is self employed as a brand manager, brand ambassador, astute CSI professional and experienced project manager for events and sponsorships.

The 2024 winner will be crowned at Sun International’s flagship venue, the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria on Saturday, August 10, in what promises to be a spectacular and entertainment-packed show that will, once again fittingly, take place during Women’s Month. Tickets available now through Ticketpros.

Ahead of the pageant and the crowning of the new Miss South Africa on August 10, we asked Van der Merwe about her involvement in the TV show.

Why should audiences watch Crown Chasers?

It’s a great show for anyone looking for insights as to how the selection process of Miss South Africa comes together and simply for good entertainment. What will surprise viewers is how tough the processes and challenges are and how long the hours are. On a side note, I was pleased to see that independent auditors were part of every step of the process to ensure everything was fair and transparent.

How does it feel being a guest judge on Crown Chasers and what do you hope you have brought to the series?

It is very humbling and emotional for me to be invited to participate and to be part of the process to select this year’s Miss South Africa. Hopefully I brought some experience and wisdom, not only as a former Miss South Africa and having been part of the Miss South Africa Organisation from 2014 to 2019, but also with my corporate career in social responsibility that spanned almost 16 years. Experience certainly brings more compassion to my judging, having not only walked this journey myself, but also as a mom of a 22-year-old daughter. This may be a reality TV show, but I am very aware that these are young women with big dreams, and I respect that. At the time we were filming this episode, we had just had an historic outcome of the 2024 national elections. I was interested to glean how aware and conscious the finalists were of South African current affairs. Miss South Africa, like our national sports teams and leaders, must represent her country to the core, so I was particularly interested in the finalists’ perspectives on the future of South Africa, our leaders, achievers and heroes and the role of women in our government, judiciary and society. Her knowledge of, and interest in, her country shows me how deep her conviction stretches.

Tell us about the challenges the finalists’ faced when you were a guest judge and how did you think they fared?

I was involved over a period of two days. On day one, the finalists participated in a glamorous photoshoot with renowned photographer Willem Botha. Finalists were made to look like 1950s glamour goddesses and briefed to be that woman that everyone adores, someone that every woman wants to be, and every man wants to with her. So we were looking for the finalists to take ownership of the photoshoot opportunity and interpret the brief. I personally looked for that excitement, enthusiasm and energy that reflects in a sparkle in the eye; almost a cover girl who connects with the consumers and makes them reach out and pick up that magazine from a rack in the supermarket. I was also looking for that one young woman who stepped out of the group, lead the race and showed that she was willing to commit 150%. In other words, the Miss South Africa who just has that extra magic; the “IT” factor.

The following day we viewed and scored social media content the finalists had had to create, based on specific sponsors as well as a 10-minute travel vlog. Interestingly, only two of the finalists in my opinion delivered on the brief and went out of their way to produce content in line with the detailed brief they received.

Thereafter we had the opportunity to score their best photos from the day before, and while every finalist looked incredible and the photographs were breathtaking, I scored them based on how comfortable they were in front of the camera and how well the interpreted the brief and took guidance from Willem.

What are you looking for when it comes to a potential Miss South Africa 2024?

Miss South Africa is not about perfection, or a cookie cut formula. I am looking for someone who refuses to be put in a box, who is unapologetically herself and who will bring her own unique, authentic self to the platform and in the process redefine the traditional perception of what and who is Miss South Africa. As always I am guided by the fact that this is a job application. The job is being a representative for your country, and finalists need to approach it with professionalism, come well prepared, look the part, be authentic and put their best foot forward.

My personal criteria include qualities like is she diplomatic and articulate? Does she show an understanding of servant leadership? Does she show signs of superior emotional intelligence? Is she strong enough in her convictions to withstand criticism and mental and physical exhaustion? What is her general knowledge about South Africa’s current affairs?

But above all, is she kind with a servant heart – not only to the sponsors, organisers and judges, but also to the drivers, cleaners, junior staff and joe public.

I am also looking for someone who is aware of the social and national issues that face this generation and who is passionate about her country, its people and its future. Miss South Africa is someone who has substance and gravitas.

Any advice for the contestants?

Brand Miss South Africa over the past 10 years has pushed boundaries and we are at the forefront, leading significant changes in the beauty industry. Each contestants must ask herself not what the title and organisation can do for her, but what she can do and what she can bring to the table that will potentially re-write the rules, enhance the legacy of Miss South Africa and bring glory to her country. When the crown gets put on the winner’s head, she is also handed a microphone. You have a voice and people will be interested and want to hear what you say and what you advocate and stand for. The journey can be a rollercoaster and it comes with responsibilities. Make sure you have a deep and sincere belief in your convictions and that your foundation is strong enough to keep showing up, keep smiling and keep performing your duties.

Anything else you want to add?

I believe every crown has a name written on it and if it’s in your destiny, what is meant for you won’t pass you. Former Miss Universe Harnaaz Shandu said “The sash is heavy; the crown is heavier but even heavier is the responsibility to leave an impactful legacy.” I was honoured to have been asked to be part of Crown Chasers and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

The Top 11 are: Chidimma Adetshina, Kebalepile Ramafoko, Kirsten Khan, Layla Zoubair, Lebohang Khoza, Mia Le Roux, Nompumelelo Maduna, Onalenna Constantin, Ontshiametse Tlhopane, Palesa Lombard and Taahira Katz.

The final episode of Crown Chasers will be broadcast on S3 on Saturday, August 03, at 20h30 with a repeat on Sunday, August 04, at 13h00.

Discover who will be progressing to Miss South Africa 2024 finale and ultimately take the crown from the current incumbent Natasha Joubert. Don’t miss it; it is compulsive viewing.

Crown Chasers is broadcast on S3 (formerly SABC 3) on Saturdays at 20h30 with repeats on Sundays at 13:00. Full episodes will also be available on the Miss South Africa App.

General access tickets for the Miss South Africa Finale are on sale at Ticketpro, the Miss South Africa website and the Miss South Africa app from R275.

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