I gave it my utmost: Natasha Joubert on her Miss Universe performance

SA’s Miss Universe hopeful Natasha Joubert has extended her congratulations to the victor of this year’s pageant, Andrea Meza from Mexico, saying she is a “worthy winner”.

“Andrea is going to be a wonderful Miss Universe at a time when we need it the most,” she said.

Though Joubert was hoping to inherit the crown from the outgoing queen Zozibini Tunzi  to secure coveted back-to-back wins for Mzansi, she was knocked out of the competition when the Top 21 were announced during the pageant’s finale on Sunday.

“I knew going into the competition that I had big shoes to fill and I gave it my utmost,” Joubert said. “I hope, even though I didn’t get a placing, that I did SA proud.

“I want to thank everyone for their wonderful support. The Miss Universe experience will be something I will never forget.”

“We are incredibly proud of Natasha and how she represented us and the country on the world stage,” said Stephanie Weil, CEO of the Miss SA Organisation.

“We look forward to welcoming her home where her Miss Universe SA journey will continue.”

Weil was not alone in praising Joubert’s performance, which she called “remarkable from start to finish”. Many fans have been quick to express their support for the beauty queen on social media.

Here’s a snapshot of the reactions:

• Catch a repeat of the 69th Miss Universe pageant on 1 Magic (DStv channel 103) at 9.30pm on Monday.