By Buli Sonqishe
Greenstone resident Palesa Phiri is ready for the Mrs Commonwealth South Africa 2017 pageant grand finale.
The event will be held at The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City on October 20.
Palesa’s journey in the pageant started in April, when she decided to enter.
The pageant is about charity and giving back.
“When I look back on April, the journey has been amazing and full of special moments. I am so humbled and joyful to serve with community members who are driven, passionate, compassionate and love life,” said Palesa.
Palesa has been involved in various community initiatives since becoming a finalist.
As part of working with the Edenvale CPF Youth Desk, she took part in the recent suicide awareness walk.
Palesa then shared a childhood memory of wanting to take her own life.
She motivated the youth to take the necessary steps to deal with stress, failure, negativity, peer pressure and loss.
“My advice to parents, family and friends who have been affected by suicide is to focus on how to be positive.
“The way you perceive yourself as a person is important and the aim should be to lead an active lifestyle and eat healthy. By being positive about your life, organisations like the Greenstone Running Club and youth desk can give you a sense of purpose. Be kind to yourself, keep an open mind and serve other people, because that can have great results,” she said.
She also expressed her gratitude to the community for all the love and support they have shown her throughout this journey.
“My running club contributed hugely in helping with the Cupcakes of Hope family run at Stoneridge. We commemorated the lives lost through cancer and those who are currently fighting the disease. I am grateful to the Edenvale and Greenstone communities that went out in numbers to support the event. This shows that we all care about living in safe, fruitful and successful communities,” said Palesa.
Her preparations for the grand finale have involved raising funds through events and approaching local business to sponsor her journey and getting involved in community initiatives.
She said if she walks away with the Mrs Commonwealth crown, she will continue with her work in the community.
“I will still support organisations that are aligned with my values and passions, especially PinkDrive,” said Palesa.
