ABOUT MYSELF & WHY I ENTERED THE COMPETITION

I am honoured and ready to take this opportunity to share with you a glimpse into my life journey and aspirations.

I am just a very ordinary person – no great achievements-, degrees or big titles. As a child, I was incredibly vibrant—full of boundless energy, creativity and an adventurous spirit, a heart full of dreams. I embraced life with a sense of innocence and wonder, often lost in my world of dreams and playful imagination. However, that innocence and carefree nature was abruptly disrupted by unexpected twists and turns, leaving me bewildered and unsure as the world around me began to shift in unexpected ways.

Leading a simple life as the third of four siblings - Born and raised in Stellenbosch, my childhood was marked by academic success until a single falsehood took root in my mind, drastically altering the course of my life in a negative direction, mysteriously unexplainable to me at the time, until recent years.

Yet, despite the unexpected twists and turns, I refused to let go of my childlike spirit and unwavering faith. Although it seemed as though I had lost touch with that exuberant part of myself, I have been on a journey of rediscovery (over the past 10 years)— a journey that is piecing together the puzzle of my life.

With each step forward, I am reclaiming the essence of who I once was—a bubbly, light-hearted individual unafraid to dream big and who embrace life's adventures. And as I reconnect with my inner child, I find that the challenges and changes of the past are becoming clearer, paving the way for a brighter, more hopeful and exciting future.

Growing up, I was fortunate to have both parents in a stable and loving household. At the age of 23, I married and was blessed with four beautiful daughters. Tragically, my husband passed away unexpectedly on our 11th wedding anniversary, leaving me devastated and alone to care for our children, the youngest still a baby at the time.

Two years later, I remarried, and from this union, I welcomed two wonderful sons. Sadly, my second marriage unfolded into years of domestic violence and abuse and ended in divorce about 3 years ago. Despite the challenges, I am immensely grateful to be the mother of six incredible children who has all risen above circumstances they had to grow up with.

Throughout my adult life, I have held various jobs which I loved, in client services and administrative roles at different companies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I ventured into entrepreneurship, launching a business supplying lunch meals to companies and individuals and catering services. Though my initial and 2nd attempt failed, I seized another opportunity offered to me in March this year, to try again.

My deepest passion lies in helping others with a special kind of love, regardless of the scale or complexity of the task. I find profound fulfilment in the simplicity of making a positive impact in people's lives. Despite facing numerous obstacles and painful experiences, I am grateful for each challenge, as they have contributed to my personal growth and bestowed upon me invaluable wisdom and insight.

Now, that I am filled with a sense of purpose and determination, I am compelled to share my story, believing it has the power to inspire and empower others, particularly women who have lost their voices, sense of identity and who have endured similar trials and tribulations amidst their own struggles. I am optimistic that through platforms like this pageant, I can reach and touch the lives of many women, offering them hope and strength derived from my own journey of resilience and perseverance.

I've encountered numerous failures throughout my journey, facing setbacks time and time again. However, I've come to realize that giving up is not an option—never has been, never will be. Hope, faith, and persistence is key.

But perhaps most profoundly, it has always been through Gods’ amazing love and grace that I found the courage and strength to endure a life I did not quite understand— a life riddled with uncertainty, pain, and inexplicable sorrow of abuse that plagued my life. His grace sustained me through the darkest of nights. His love and hope of all that He has promised, lifted me from the despair, and His healing touch restored my wounded soul, time after time.

Through Faith and example, I discovered the transformative power of forgiveness, compassion, and unconditional love.

My life's narrative is still unfolding, presenting me with more challenges to face, to conquer and to grow from. But I remain determined to be a catalyst for change and righteousness, to help others find their voices and reclaim their identities. It is my firm belief that now is the time for my story to be heard, to serve as a beacon of hope and resilience for those who may be walking a similar path and for them to know, that by Faith, there is a beautiful bright light at the end of each dark tunnel.