Mrs SA semi-finalist defies all odds

MRS South Africa semi-finalist Pearl Holdstock believes that nothing is impossible as she is now blessed with two children after she was diagnosed with infertility.

Holdstock also cares for her three late sister’s children.

“I am a proud mother of five,” she said with a smile.

The Pinetown resident was announced as the finalist after the national casting event at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg.

Holdstock grew up in Mpumalanga, Hammarsdale, and as part of her journey, she hopes to inspire other women, particularly young ladies, from the township to dream big and never silence the voice that whispers, ‘You can!’

Mother of miracles

After getting married, Holdstock and her husband struggled to fall pregnant.

“We decided to consult doctors and after series of test I was diagnosed with infertility. We went through a very lonely period not knowing how to share with others. Our journey was painful, emotionally drained, financial draining and emotional draining.

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“I was determined to be a mother, we started fertility meds six times and was unsuccessful. No one knew our pain, what we went through behind closed doors the stigma of barrenness consumed all aspect of my life,” sighed Holdstock.

For Holdstock, infertility was not just not being able to give birth to children but it was a state of not being fruitful in anything she did up until she made a decision to change her mindset regarding infertility.

“Fruitfulness requires fertilising the soil before preparing to plant. I started fertilising my soil through the word of God. I confess scriptures that spoke about children. I changed my eating plan and started to eat according to my blood type.

“I was able to give birth to two healthy children,” she said.

The 38-year-old said she believes that the mindset plays a very important role in determining success or failure in ones life.

“The moment we change our thoughts, how we speak about our situation is essential. I want to be a beacon of hope and to share that nothing is impossible. I want to encourage each and every person who is currently experiencing infertility of any form that our words have the ability to frame our whole lives,” she said.

Mrs South Africa pageant

Speaking about being announced as one of the finalists, she beamed and said, “I felt seen and, recognized after receiving the news.”

Mrs South Africa is foremost a self-discovery and empowerment programme that celebrates diversity, ambition, and confidence while showcasing some of the country’s most phenomenal and talented women, and giving them the skills and tools needed to achieve their dreams.

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Joani Johnson, CEO of Mrs SA, said, “We are proud to work alongside so many strong, formidable, and inspirational married women, and to empower them through our pillars of community, self-development, and networking to be the leaders and social game-changers that we need in this country.

“Our experienced mentors teach leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, self-promotion, and self-discovery throughout the year to ensure that all participants have a truly life changing experience.”

She added that this year, the casting panel was looking for women who have a keen interest in empowering others, display strong family values, and are passionate about making a difference in their community and the world.

“Pearl fully embodies the values that Mrs SA holds most dear, and is representative of our tagline for the year: #EveryWoman. We look forward to going on this journey with her and her fellow sisters,” said Johnson.

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