The Miss SA Pageant has broken its silence following allegations that there is bad blood between the organisation and former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi.

This after Tunzi snubbed the pageant on Sunday night. On Monday, she removed her Miss SA title from her Instagram page and unfollowed the pageant.

This shocked many people and has been described as telling after the beauty queen was involved in the selection process of the Miss SA finalists through Crown Chasers, a reality TV show.

In reply to questions by Sunday World on Thursday, the Miss SA Organisation could not state the reasons behind Tunzi’s snub.

However, it said Tunzi was invited as a VIP guest to the pageant, which was held at Sun International Arena in Pretoria.

“Zozibini Tunzi is an in-demand personality with a full schedule,” said the Miss SA Organisation.

“The Miss South Africa Organisation cannot speak to Ms Tunzi’s calendar nor social media activity, however, she is always welcomed and celebrated at any Miss South Africa event.

“Ms Tunzi was invited as a VIP guest to attend the finale.”

Sunday World understands that the lead-up to the pageant was marred by controversy after Tunzi was allegedly snubbed as one of the hosts alongside Bonang Matheba.

She was also allegedly made to pay for dresses she had used on Crown Chasers, which was broadcast on S3.

The pageant said: “Ms Tunzi and her management entered into an agreement with the Miss SA Organisation in terms of which it was agreed that the compensation paid was inclusive of all fees and expenses.

“Furthermore in terms of the agreement entered into by both Ms Tunzi and her management, the parties acknowledged that the fee constituted full and reasonable compensation for services and material provided, and shall be inclusive of all fees and expenses to which Ms Tunzi may be entitled.

“Ms Tunzi’s management agency has been paid in full accordingly.”

The pageant could not comment on allegations that Tunzi was supposed to host the pageant alongside Matheba.

The model has also kept mum on the matter.

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Julia Madibogo