Natasha Joubert’s sympathy for Miss South Africa Chidimma

In a powerful and touching moment that resonated with viewers, reigning Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert extended her compassion to fellow finalist Chidimma Adetshina during the recent episode of Crown Chasers. The episode, which focused on mental health awareness, revealed a sobering side of the competition through Chidimma’s heartfelt admission about her struggles with suicidal thoughts and the emotional toll of social media attacks, according to The South African.

Chidimma, affectionately known as “ChiChi,” opened up candidly about her experiences. As she sat among her peers, she shared the vulnerabilities she has faced due to relentless xenophobic and Afrophobic remarks that have surfaced online. In an emotional segment called “Talk Your Worth,” viewers witnessed Natasha encouraging the finalists to express their feelings authentically. It was during this intimate exchange that Chidimma broke down, illustrating the weight of her experiences and the importance of mental health discussions.

“Let it out,” Natasha gently urged, embracing the visibly distressed 23-year-old. This moment of solidarity highlighted the support system that contestants can form amid competition pressures. Chidimma, in a moment of raw honesty, detailed her journey through depression and anxiety, revealing, “I know what it’s like to go through depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. I still have scars on my hands… Bringing myself out of it was so hard.”

Natasha’s response to Chidimma’s vulnerability was both uplifting and inspiring. “You being here helps many other people struggling with the same thing,” she reassured, emphasizing the importance of sharing one’s story as a way to foster healing and connection.

The episode also illuminated Chidimma’s personal struggles beyond the pageant. In a crucial moment, while addressing the judges, including media personalities such as Lerato Kganyago, Leandie Du Randt, and Andile Ncube, she shed light on her life as a mother and her desire to raise awareness about mental health issues. “If I need to bring awareness to it, it needs to start with me,” she emphasized. Her commitment to her child was especially poignant: “I want him to see that you can get out of it. He needs to be aware of it, as it is the most important thing.”

Chidimma’s journey is further underscored by her recent divorce, which she described as a consequence of outdated gender roles that she refused to accept. Her candid reflections on this issue serve as reminders that the fight for personal identity and autonomy continues, particularly for women in society.

As the Miss South Africa finale approaches on Saturday, 10 August, at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, the emotional narratives revealed during Crown Chasers have set the stage not just for a competition of beauty, but also a competition where character and resilience shine brightly. Natasha Joubert’s support for Chidimma during such a pivotal moment demonstrates the power of empathy and solidarity among women, making this year’s Miss South Africa competition a significant platform for change and awareness in mental health issues.