Why did you decide to become a Miss SA judge?

Ndaba: When asked by Cell C and Sun international if I’d be interested, I said: "Why are you asking?" They said they knew I love beauty and dressing up; I love women driven by passion. And most importantly, they know that I approve of the fact that Miss SA highlights beauty with a purpose. I’m perfect for this job. I can spot a young woman capable of making a difference from a mile away.

Baffoe: I took a step back from the prejudice against beauty pageants, gleaned insight into how this competition could be a launching platform for young women and found it made complete sense. Also, I also bring a very different perspective and point of view to the Miss SA competition.

Do you like pageants? What other beauty pageants do you follow?

Ndaba: I’ve loved them since I was a teenager and entered a fair number myself, mainly to boost my self-confidence. I was a very shy little girl. Later, of course, I moved into acting. I follow Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss SA – my favourite title-holders have been Anneline Kriel, Suzette van der Merwe, Jacqui Mofokeng, Peggy Sue Kumalo and Basetsana Kumalo. Just look at these amazing women and where being Miss SA has got them.

Baffoe: In the 80s and 90s, I religiously watched pageants. They’re addictive, like watching reality TV. You pick your favourite and see how far they get.

How do you think modern entrants have changed? Remember when all the girls wanted 'world peace'?

Ndaba: Modern entrants are becoming more and more themselves. They know who they are, they know what they want. I’m amazed by how “in their skin” the young women who enter Miss SA are.

Baffoe: In the two years that I have been involved with Miss SA, I have found the young entrants intelligent, driven and compassionate. They have much to offer the world.

Do you think entering Miss South Africa is empowering for young women? Is it a launching pad?

Ndaba: It’s most definitely empowering; just look at former winners of the competition. The competition teaches you valuable life lessons – confidence, public speaking, networking, managing money, poise. The dressing up and modeling: that’s just the cherry on the top.

Baffoe: I think that if the platform is not used as a springboard, it is wasted. It allows the young women a foot in the door of powerful places and access to powerful people. The platform is as empowering as one uses it.

What do you look for in the entrants?

Ndaba: Passion, a willingness to work hard, healthy competitive spirit, ambition, beauty inside and out. You cannot be a South African ambassador if you don’t love this country and its people with their various cultures and traditions. And, if you are not familiar with the different cultures, you need to be willing to learn.

Baffoe: Intelligence, maturity, the ability to be comfortable with people across all levels of society. Authenticity and empathy are critical for women. All the young women are beautiful so I take that out of the equation, especially when it comes to the last 12.

About Miss South Africa 

Judging kicked off on Saturday, 1 August in the Ballroom at the Boardwalk, in Port Elizabeth, with celebrity judge Sophie Ndaba. It then moves to the Market Hall, at Grand West Casino and Entertainment World in Cape Town on August 15 where Sophia Ndaba will again share the judging honours with Sun International representatives.

The third regional judging session takes place in the Ballroom at The Maslow, in Sandton, on Saturday 22 and Sunday, 23 August. Joining Ndaba will be former Miss South Africa, Tatum Keshwar and Kojo Baffoe.

The final regional judging session takes place in Kwa-Zulu Natal in the Imbizo, at Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom on Saturday, 5 September.

The new Miss South Africa 2016 will be crowned at a glittering ceremony in March next year.

For more information, connect with the pageant via Facebook and Twitter.