#MrsSouthAfrica: A semi-finalist’s journey to self-discovery

BEVERLEY – Sherry-Ann James is one of this year's Mrs South Africa semi-finalists, and got involved with the pageant because she wanted to grow and develop. She's using the platform to empower both other women and girls.

May 11, 2018

Robyn Kirk 2 minutes read

Sherry-Ann James says that her time with the pageant has helped her grow and develop.

After years of caring for her family, work and church, Sherry-Ann James decided to dedicate 2018 to her own personal growth and development and entered the Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa competition where she is now one of the 100 semi-finalists competing for the crown.

“Entering the pageant this year was a lovely way to find myself again,” James told the Fourways Review. “I’ve come to find that there is so much more to this platform and endless possibilities for me to be a bigger blessing to the projects that are close to my heart.”

The 31-year-old has lived in the greater Fourways area for about eight years and now lives with her husband Leon and two children Joshua (5) and Abigail (2) in Beverley.

Self-described as wearing many hats, James is a pastor at Royal Kingdom Ministries along with her husband, works as a wealth administrator for Investec and is also a certified doula (birth coach).

Sherry-Ann James is one of 100 semi-finalists for this year’s Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa Pageant.

“I’ve been stretched on this journey so far. Even though I’ve only been a semi-finalist for a little over a month, I have learned so much about myself.”

James said she was drawn to the pageant, which sees married women from across the country compete for the title of Mrs SA and engage with charity work because it focuses on empowerment rather than on beauty and shows that women can be bold, beautiful and strong all at the same time.

“I am passionate about empowering young girls to love themselves just the way they are,” she explained. “I’ve started a programme called ‘Girl Talk’ which creates a platform for girls from different backgrounds to engage in conversations about who they are and what they’re dealing with.

“The pageant creates the perfect platform to promote this, as well as reach out to many more young girls.”

As one of the 100 semi-finalists, James has been honing her social media skills, engaging in workshops, being part of mentorship programmes and is fundraising for the non-profit organisation Women4Women which focuses on female empowerment.

After years of dedicating herself to work, family and church, Sherry-Ann James decided to do something for herself and enter the Mrs SA competition.

The top 25 finalists will be chosen at a Charity Gala Dinner, due to take place on 29 June and 24 of these positions will be awarded based on a judging and interview process, while the final spot will be given to the contestant with the most SMS votes and support on social media.

To show your support during James’ journey, you can: