Vassanjee makes the top 12

“What the platform allowed was that of humility in beauty and certainly beauty with a purpose that lasts long after the stage lights fade,” said Tamzin Vassanjee, Mrs SA finalist.

October 27, 2016

SHERNOVIA REDDY 2 minutes read

THE new Mrs South Africa was recently crowned in a grand and glittering finale held at Emperors Palace with the South’s own, Tamzin Vassanjee, being one of the beauties who made it to the top 12. Without a doubt a deserving queen, Vassanjee was overruled by the panel of judges who crowned Hlengiwe Twala, from Hartbeesport Dam, the 2017 Schwarzkopf Professional Mrs South Africa.

The finale was hosted by Minnie Dlamini, and produced by one of Africa’s leading show producers, Jan Malan. It featured a star-studded guest list of top South African talent, South Africa’s very own Mrs World and Mrs South Africa 2016 Candice Abrahams and celebrities, dancers, designers as well as breathtaking entertainment by the Joburg Ballet.

Olwethu Leshabane was crowned first princess and Lilliana Lulli-Marruchi took home the crown as the second princess. Claire Gardiner, who raised the most funds for Cansa during her venture as a finalist, was crowned Mrs Charity 2017.

“My favourite experience was planting veggies at the nursery schools that I visited with Mpact and I fully intend on continuing along that road. That applies to working closely with Cansa and FABA too,” said Vassanjee.

Schwarzkopf Professional Mrs South Africa is the number one empowerment programme for married women in South Africa. The women involved in the organisation are ambitious and successful in their various careers and are mothers and wives of all different ages and sizes who are doing great work within their respective communities.

The Schwarzkopf professional Mrs South Africa finalists stayed at Emperors Palace for pageant week, which ran from October 17 to 21 and were out to impress the celebrity judging panel comprised of principal judge Cindy Nell Roberts (former Miss South Africa), Vusi Zwane (Emperors Palace Peermont Hotel corporate affairs and corporate social investment executive), Zuraida Jardine (TV and radio personality) and Joan Madibeng (former Miss South Africa 2003 and businesswoman).

“My journey with Mrs SA was exciting and because of my enthusiasm to make my voice heard for women, it was extremely rewarding for me. I particularly enjoyed working with Cansa to spread awareness and raise funds and also with Mpact to reinforce their recycling efforts, especially at pre-primary level. The little ones are so eager to learn and apply. Our efforts for the FABA Foundation (Fighting against Bullying and Abuse), are especially personal for me as that is why I became an attorney…to stop bullying,” said the 44-year-old Vassanjee.

The finalist enjoyed the build-up to the pageant, saying it was a wonderful journey. “I enjoyed every twist and turn. So naturally, the last week was an anti-climax and full of excitement so a bit of a paradox. We were all understandably anxious, nervous and excited. I have learnt that I am able to push myself way beyond even my own self-imposed boundaries. This experience has made me more resilient to the sometimes disappointing and negative aspects of life. It has forced me out of a level of naivety that I hardly acknowledged within myself and has been a real eye-opener and character builder,” she said.

Schwarzkopf Professional Mrs South Africa has been a proud supporter for the last five years of Cansa, the official charity of Schwarzkopf Professional Mrs South Africa. This year, the Schwarzkopf Professional Mrs South Africa and its top 25 finalists raised a combined amount of R1 130 904 for Cansa.