Miss Universe owner Anne Jakrajutatip, also known as Anne JKN, has been inundated with calls from the public to name South Africa’s Bonang Matheba as the pageant’s 2024 host.
The grand finale will be held in Mexico on 16 November. Over 130 countries, including our own Mia Le Roux, will participate.
Bonang, who hosted the Miss SA finale in August, has previously been nominated by the public to head the biggest international beauty competition.
Will Anne give the people what they want?
BONANG TOPS LIST AS MISS UNIVERSE POTENTIAL HOST
This week, Anne JKN asked her X followers who they believed would be crowned the new Miss Universe 2024 next month.
She also asked for suggestions on who the host of the pageant should be. Needless to say, the pageant owner was inundated with requests for SA’s Bonang Matheba to helm the grand finale.
Here’s what a few had to say…
@Iam_Fi: “Without a shadow of a doubt, it has to be the one and only @Bonang. She is THAT girl! Plus, ever-gracious and super amazing.”
@katliiso: “@Bonang is a phenomenal presenter and host who has consistently raised the bar in the entertainment industry. It’s time for Africa to shine on the global stage, and with talents like hers, we’re more than ready!”
@SelfieRunnerZA: “Anne, I thought there was the general consensus that @Bonang is the host this year.”
Last month, Anne JKN fuelled speculation that Bonang had caught her attention after she commented that she was “beautiful.”
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
In 2022, Steve Harvey parted ways as host of the Miss Universe pageant after five consecutive years.
The actor and entertainer was reportedly given the boot after the pageant moved to the streaming service Roku. According to Variety, the new channel wanted new, fresh blood – and, in particular, a female to helm the show.
anne jkn, miss universe, bonang matheba
Will pageant boss Anne JKN select Bonang Matheba to host Miss Universe next month? Images via X: @bonang/ @annejknofficial
Last year, new hosts were revealed: former Miss USA and Miss Universe Olivia Culpo and TV host Jeannie Mai.
The pageant also announced backstage commentators, former Miss Universe and Miss Philippines Catriona Gray, as well as TV presenter Zuri Hall.