Mrs SA finalist wants to inspire other mothers

ENTERING the Mrs SA pageant has taught Bayanda Gumede she is capable of achieving great things as long as she sets her mind on them.

The 35-year-old mom, wife, businesswoman and former Pinetown Girls’ High learner from Wyebank, was recently announced as a Top 25 finalist for Mrs SA 2017.

Bayanda said she entered Mrs SA because she was at a stage in her life where she felt like she needed to challenge herself and hopes to use the pageant as a platform to change her life and the lives of those around her.

“Through this journey, I have learnt so much about myself, both my strengths and weaknesses and I am working on becoming the best version of me. I have stopped making excuses, I just get things done,” said Bayanda.

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Being a wife, mom and a businesswoman has its challenges and Bayanda said the biggest one for her is maintaining a balance.

“There is no worse feeling than knowing that your business is doing well but you are not spending enough time with your family, or visa versa.

“I am constantly trying to strike a balance, but I’m slowly realising that it is just not possible. We can only do our best because nobody expects us to be perfect; super moms or wives just do not exist. Having a supportive partner is critical in this day and age. I am lucky to have a husband that just wants me to succeed.”

In her spare time, Bayanda enjoys watching movies, exercises and reads.

“I enjoy reading business books, to remain inspired and motivated. I love watching animated movies with my children and I go to the gym as often as I can,” she said.

Bayanda is a happily married mom of two and lives in Johannesburg.

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“I have been married to Zithulele Gumede for five years. My son, Owami is 11 and my daughter, Asante is two.

She is the co- founder of a children’s clothing brand, Skates and Candy. “We manufacture and sell children’s clothing and accessories. My sister, Buhle Mabanga, who is my business partner, and I were nominated for an entrepreneurship award in 2016.”

She has her own lifestyle blog where she shares important things as a mom, wife and businesswoman. So I touch a bit on beauty, fashion and life in general. She is also an advocate for women empowerment.

“My mission is to inspire all the mamas out there to live their best lives unapologetically,” added Bayanda.

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