Manani takes over the world
The Letaba Herald’s annual focus on local women where we celebrate women in our region, has again produced inspiring stories from women from an array of industries and fields … and they are all under the age of 35.
Pageant queen, Manani Botes, says she is inspired by women from all walks of life because no matter what they come across they come out stronger. Botes was recently announced as a Mrs South Africa 2022, semi-finalist. She says that her journey with the pageant has been an eye-opener. “I have learnt, and grown as a person and one aspect of the journey is the sisterhood, I have met so many beautiful women from all walks of life.
“I have built good relationships with the ladies. Mrs SA pageant has taught me true self-worth, values and to never look down on yourself. Through the Mrs SA process I found my voice and I would encourage women to enter the pageant themselves,” Botes explained. She is married to Charlton Botes and the pair are blessed with a son, Nathan. If she is not on the modelling ramp or at home, she is selling luxurious vehicles at Mercurius Tzaneen as a sales manager.
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She hails originally from Giyani, but she grew up in Modjadjiskloof and went to Modubatse Secondary School. Manani told the Herald that she wishes she knew from a young age that, life presents us with opportunities and one should never be afraid to take up risks and follow their dreams. Her mother raised her to be a very confident young woman and to take up space where ever she sets her foot.
“My mom taught me to love and believe in myself and to know that I’m a precious gift from God,” she added. Manani says she believes that pageants are still relevant because it goes beyond the glitz and glamour. “It is a platform which enables women to grow together and it brings out the best of the people who go through the journey,” said Monani. Her encouragement to women today is that they are beautiful, strong, and valuable.
