Boksburg’s Phumzile Ntshabele crowned Mrs Universe South Africa second princess
Local author, model, entrepreneur and philanthropist Phumzile Ntshabele was crowned Mrs Universe South Africa 2022 second princess at the Barnyard Menlyn Theatre on February 17.
The 41-year-old Eveleigh resident described this accomplishment as a dream come true.
“I entered the pageant because I want to empower others as a victim of gender-based violence (GBV). I was in two abusive marriages and I’ve been raped twice.
“As the Mrs Universe South Africa second princess, I want to be heard. Often victims of GBV are silenced by society, perpetrators and the justice system. I am an advocate for that community.
“Furthermore, I want to be visible and seen as an example of a woman who chose life instead of succumbing to the abuse.
“I also want to make a change by creating relatable programmes through my Special People Foundation, which is focused on marginalised and forgotten people.
“I want to create a safe place and let them know that we can make South Africa great again with my brand and Mrs Universe South Africa brand,” said Ntshabele, also the author of My Mother Hates Me.
The beauty queen highlighted she is going to work with Mrs Universe SA Uyleta Nel-Marais and Mrs Universe first princess Heidi Betz.
“We are three sisters on this journey and together we will make our reign magical for 2022. We are spokespersons for domestic violence and abuse victims.
Ntshabele said her future goal is to be an anti-GBV ambassador.
“To end GBV, we need a victim and survivor of GBV. GBV is a second pandemic in South Africa but is not treated as such.
“GBV does not start with a man but a woman. The sooner we change as women and stop hating each other, that’s the day GBV will end. Women are powerful. We can create and we can destroy.
“Women, let us collaborate and make the world a better place,” she pointed out.
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