Nkabati Mamorobela-Shezi, 31, from Tzaneen, Limpopo, says she wants to be more than just a mother and a wife.

“When I entered the contest, I was angry at my husband; I was being spiteful because I felt like I was losing myself. But little did I do know it would be something so amazing. He held my hand for the first audition and has been with me since, he is proud of me.  

“I wanted to feel something empowering. I have become a better me, I have unlocked this confidence I didn’t know I had,” Mamorobela-Shezi said.  

The new Mrs South Africa will be announced in February 2021.

Thenji Mdluli, 30, said making it into the top 25 was bittersweet as some of the women she became friends with were eliminated.  

“It came to a point where the lines were blurred, not so much about the competition but a sisterhood. When I entered, I kept it private because I didn’t think I would make it this far, but ever since I became part of the top 50 the support started flowing from your neighbours to the dog,” she said.  

Mdluli was teary as she ascended the stage after being announced as one of the chosen ones. The newly crowned Mrs South Africa will represent SA internationally, supported by Arena Holdings.

Joani Johnson, CEO of the Mrs SA pageant, said despite the many challenges that 2020 has brought, it also brought personal growth and perspective for the contestants.  

“Like everyone else,  Mrs SA also had to adapt and reinvent in many ways. For this first time ever, we welcomed a top 50 semi-finalists and even though our events looked slightly different, we persevered.  

“Our semi-finalists’ journey were different in many ways and the ladies had to work twice as hard to get to this point”. Johnson said.  

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