Meet Cedar Lakes resident and Mrs South Africa hopeful

Cedar Lakes resident and Mrs South Africa hopeful, Nontobeko Mdhluli, shared her journey in the competition.

“The reasons why I entered the Schwarzkopf Professional Mrs South Africa is that I have always been a philanthropist involved in many charities, especially our local one in the Fourways area, The Mother Touch Academy, having been a part of it since its inception,” she said.

“But lately, I am even more interested in those peculiar [sic] causes, those that few people seem to worry about. So I thought perhaps entering this competition, would help me in some way get closer to attaining my life-long goal of being a social activist.”

Mdhluli added that her journey thus far had been exciting and she had come to realise that the competition was not a beauty pageant but a woman empowerment programme. “The competition is premised on an all-round approach,” she said.

“The women need to display almost superwoman tendencies as they juggle career, business, home and social responsibilities. Many of these women are already doing all of this.

“So far, I have attended a two-day life-changing and exciting workshop. The women are absolutely amazing – mothers, wives, business and professional women who have everything going for themselves, they truly epitomise the ultimate woman. This competition is really inspiring me to be the best version of myself.”

Mdhluli explained that if she was crowned Mrs South Africa she would help the community by addressing the plight of disabled children. “Sometimes, children are physically disabled, not mentally disabled. Those kids need to be in mainstream schools and learn life skills, like other children.

“Other times, children need specialised care but there are not enough facilities. We need more facilities for such children. I know someone who had to relocate to Cape Town as they could not find a school to accommodate their autistic child, which should not be happening.”

She said winning was important, but it was not everything. “Winning is not only about the crown but about the lessons learnt and applied. I have accepted in my heart that I will walk away from this experience a winner, no matter what.”

Community members can vote for Mdhluli by liking her picture on the Mrs SA Facebook page.

Details: Like Nontobeko Mdhluli on Facebook