STERSTATUS: MORE THAN JUST ENTERTAINMENT

Megan Grobler

@megan.gro_bler

“It’s not just about entertainment – it’s about growth, making a positive impact, and connecting with people on a real level.”

This is how show contestant, Chanzelle Botha, describes the South African reality competition, Sterstatus. According to Botha the show celebrates talent, personality, and determination. It challenges contestants to showcase their skills, creativity, and community, while also stepping out of their comfort zones and into the limelight.

Sterstatus is meant to teach contestants how to promote themselves and their sponsors while in the public eye. This ultimately makes for a smoother transition to the entertainment industry in terms of promoting themselves, their partners, and their sponsors.

Botha describes herself as somewhat of a wildcard in the competition. Though a bit shy at first, Botha explains that she brings fun and humorous elements to the show. “Even though I’m shy, the camera brings out a side of me that loves being in the spotlight.”

When asked how Botha wound up being part of Sterstatus, she explained that she did not enter herself into the competition. “I actually didn’t enter Sterstatus myself – a very good friend of mine signed me up without me knowing!” She described feeling hesitant at first, as it felt far out of her comfort zone, but gradually warmed up to the idea and got excited for the opportunity at seeing what she was capable of.

The competition is beneficial, Botha said, as, “… it pushes you out of your comfort zone… You discover strengths you didn’t even know you had, meet amazing people, and pick up stories you’ll be telling forever. Honestly, it’s like personal growth… but with more laughs, challenges, and the occasional, ‘what just happened’ moment.”

The competition’s first episode will air on 31 August 2025 at 14:30 on eExtra, channel 195. “From there you can tune in weekly to watch all the challenges, drama and fun unfold”, Botha stated.

According to Botha, Sterstatus is looking for people who are authentic, love a challenge, and aren’t afraid to step out of their comfort zones. “As a contestant, you can expect the Sterstatus-process to be full-on, exciting, and definitely unpredictable. There are challenges that test your skills, creativity, and teamwork, but also moments that push you out of your comfort zone. You’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even surprise yourself along the way… expect to be challenged, have fun, and come out with memories and stories you’ll never forget”, Botha said.

Her advice to anyone thinking about signing up for Sterstatus is, “… be yourself – really, genuinely yourself. Don’t try to fit a mold or do what you think others expect. Take every challenge seriously, but don’t forget to have fun along the way. Step out of your comfort zone, trust the process, and don’t be afraid to surprise people – including yourself.”

A picture of Chanzelle Botha, a finalist on the upcoming reality show Sterstatus premiering on 31 August on eExtra (Source: Megan Grobler)

Edited by Kyle Bauermeister