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Lungo Katete, 26, of Midrand, Gauteng, is the second Miss South Africa finalist to be eliminated from Crown Chasers.
Lebohang Raputsoe from Sharpeville was eliminated from the competition in the first episode, which introduced viewers to the 11 Miss South Africa 2023 finalists.
The final 10 candidates traveled to Mauritius in episode 2, which aired on S3 on Sunday, and were tasked with recording a vacation vlog, completing a beach challenge, and taking part in a bikini photo shoot. They also had the opportunity to meet Miss Universe Mauritius.
After that, judges Bonang Matheba and Leandie du Randt, as well as guest judge Vanessa Carreira Coutroulis, reviewed the finalists’ performances at a networking event and judged their first official photo shoot, with Katete departing at the end of the episode.
The winner of the episode was Natasha Joubert.
“I always thought that the moment I would cherish the most along this journey would be when I was told 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 island which is a moment I will never forget. To be eliminated was the hard part, but if there is one thing I can guarantee, my journey does not stop here.” — Lungo Katete
Katete described her Miss South Africa journey as “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 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 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 7- 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 a wonderful photo shoot; 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, 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.”
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.”
What is 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 achieved this far and the dreams still to come.”
Episode 3 of Crown Chasers, titled ‘Down to Business’, will be broadcast on Sunday, 23 July, on SABC 3, at 16:00.
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.
This week’s 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. Voting closed on 7 August at 10:00.
Miss South Africa 2023 will be crowned at the SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria on Sunday, 13 August.
