There is much celebration and joy in the mid-South Coast after Sezela’s Veronika Pillay (41) proudly brought home the Mrs Universe South Africa 2023 title.
Veronika is a lawyer and senior investigator in the Office of the Public Protector. She strongly believes in her ability as a Gender Equality Attorney, to combat inequalities and empower women around the world.
The South Coast queen added that she lives by the motto ‘you need to be the change you want to see’.
In March the semi-finals took place and the top nine finalists were selected to proceed to the grand finale last Saturday at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City. The event consisted of contestants walking in the national costume parade, swimsuit and evening gown competitions.
“It’s a surreal feeling, to be crowned,” said Veronika.
“I was overwhelmed with emotion, wishing my mother who passed on many years ago could have shared this momentous achievement with me.”
This incredible journey does not stop here. Veronika will be representing South Africa at the 46th annual Mrs Universe pageant in the Philippines in October.
“I am grateful to my parents, husband, children and family, for sharing me with the world.”
“I am humbled that I can represent our beautiful country on the world stage.”
Veronika is also a businesswoman who promotes entrepreneurship and small businesses in the fashion industry.
“My humility and fortitude was inculcated through my humble and cultured childhood,” she said.
“My determination and ambitious nature drives me to push boundaries and exceed expectations in all facets of my life.”
Veronika’s phenomenal achievement was celebrated by many, especially by those in the mid-South Coast who are very proud of their local lass showcasing her multiple talents on such a grand platform.
The Mrs Universe pageant is the largest and most coveted pageant globally catering for married and divorced women with over 100 countries competing for the title annually. The pageant creates a platform to raise awareness for charities assisting victims of domestic violence and abuse.
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