The past two years has made Sthembile Motloung look at her life, at herself in different eyes.
She realised that she was in a comfort zone for far too long.
Sthembile had been working hard taking care of her business and family, but realised that she was neglecting herself.
“I have been neglecting the purpose that I have been putting off for a long time. Embarking on this journey of Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa has transformed me. I look at myself today and I see this fierce, strong unapologetic woman,” said Sthembile.
For Sthembile it is not mainly about the glitz and the glam that comes with the pageant, it’s not about the crown too.
Yes they are part of it, and if she had to win, she would embrace it wholeheartedly.
“For me, it’s about giving back to the community. I’m very passionate about helping women and children who are in an abusive environment. As someone who has been in that situation, I know how hard it is to get help or even get a sound listening ear without being judged,” continued Sthembile.
For Sthembile she was given a second chance in life, and that’s why she feels like it’s her duty to extend a helping hand wherever she can.
The abuse of women and children has become so pandemic in many communities that some victims have become unwilling about speaking up against abuse.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women, and more often leads to deaths.
Everyone is raising awareness about fighting gender-based violence.
But nobody takes time to think about the residual effects when a woman finally removes herself and the kids from that abusive environment.
Not everyone has parents to go back to, not everyone has skills or employment to sustain her life and the kid’s lives.
“I am involved with a group of ladies where I volunteer my time to give them sewing skills; most of them are from abused homes. I call them “Mommies”. We do get help from other volunteers who also offer them different skills and somehow they manage to make a living. I believe that the best gift you can give someone is time and skill.”
If Sthembile happened to win, she would use her voice as Mrs South Africa to get sponsors, and funding to build a shelter for such women. Starting in her own community and extending it to other provinces across South Africa.
Being in this movement Mrs South Africa gives me the platform and the voice to speak for the ones who can’t speak for themselves and she would tell her story to give hope to those who have lost theirs.
Sthembile entered last year and was a semi-finalist but she never made it to the top 25.
According to Sthembile sometimes in life you need a second chance because you weren’t quite ready the first time.
“My mother who is my number one supporter said to me, ‘Losers quit when they fail, but winners fail until they succeed’,” recalls Sthembile.
Sthembile is a 40 year mother of four beautiful teenagers, two are my husband’s own and two are mine from a previous marriage.
It’s a beautiful blended family and she wouldn’t have any other way.
Her husband is very supportive of her journey, and her daughters are so much hands on, and are very proud of their mother.
Her son on the other hand is just too young to understand why his mom all of a sudden is spending a lot of time in front of a mirror and paying attention to her eyebrows.
“I am a fashion designer by profession owning my own label, S’theM Style and Fashion. My hobbies include camping with my family, and doing a lot of DIY around the house which often drives my husband crazy since he has to fix things after I mess them up,” said Sthembile.
People can vote for me by SMSing “Sthembile Motloung” to 35959 and like my Facebook page Sthembile Motloung Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa 2018.”
