Kgopelo Shikwambana (41) will represent Mpumalanga in the Mrs Bold South Africa 2024 pageant.
This pageant caters for mature women, with or without children, who are single, married, divorced or widowed.
Shikwambana, who was born and raised in Thulamahashe, said being part of the competition is proof to her that dreams are renewable, regardless of age.
“I was on a quest to meet formidable women and grow. This platform not only offered me the opportunity to do that, but has also given me a voice. If crowned Mrs Bold South Africa, I plan to spread mental health awareness, support initiatives for young men and women, and expand my vision of creating positive change in society. I will continue with these ongoing initiatives and will continue embracing this opportunity and platform,” she said.
Shikwambana is passionate about empowering women and the youth, and has dedicated her life to creating positive change in her community.
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As a devoted wife, mother and entrepreneur, she embodies the values of strength, resilience and grace.
“My journey has been marked by my unwavering commitment to uplifting others, and I continue to inspire those around me with kindness, compassion and my bold spirit. As a finalist in the Mrs Bold South Africa 2024 pageant, I am determined to use this platform to amplify the voices of women and young people, and to inspire a new generation of leaders,” she said.
Shikwambana said another one of her community service passions is addressing mental health.
“I am passionate about people and how they look after their mental state of being, how they interact with one another and the importance of communicating correctly with self. Looking at my home town, Thulamahashe, I realised some of the important factors that contribute to mental health issues include poverty and lack of spirituality. Most of our youth are struggling with mental health and finding themselves in society. Many have found themselves struggling with addiction and high alcohol consumption, which becomes dangerous and harmful to their destinies. With this in mind, giving back means starting with my own community initiative to keep young people busy.”
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Shikwambana added that her initiatives include a soccer and netball church challenge where everyone, including those who have never attended church, are allowed to play.
“Other initiatives include donating sanitary towels to local schools, youth empowerment events and cooking for the underprivileged and homeless people. I do all this from my own pocket, since I know the feeling of not knowing where your next meal is coming from and when life becomes uncertain. These initiatives are very close to my heart,” she said.
To vote for Shikwambana in the Mrs Bold South Africa 2024 pageant, SMS BOLD 110 to 47439. SMSs cost R3 each.
