Two women from Bloemfontein are among the semifinalists for this year’s Mrs South Africa pageant.
This honour befell Alicia Stols and Ntshebo Pokela at the national casting event in Johannesburg on 3 February.
Alicia (33) and her husband, Joel, moved to Bloemfontein in 2019 and live in Pentagon Park. She matriculated at the Potchefstroom High School and attained a BA degree in Communication Science, as well as an honours and a masters degree in Political Sience.
She is a mother of three: Isabella (11), Ayla (5) and Tyler (18 months).
“I had not been working since I came to Bloemfontein and found myself going down a rabbit hole. I came to a point where I felt much of my self-worth was dissipating, not only as a mum and a wife, but also as a woman.”
She watched the Mrs South Africa contestants of 2022 and realised there was definitely more to life.
“It is the very first time I am taking part in a pageant like this and I have realised that it is a wonderful opportunity for self-discovery, entrepreneurship, marketing and self-promotion.”
Ntshebo (50) is married to her husband and friend, Steven, and blessed with two daughters and a son.
She grew up in Kuruman and matriculated from the Batlharo Tlhaping Secondary School. She later attained a diploma in Education from the Phatsimang College and a BEd degree from the Nelson Mandela University (NMU). She achieved a higher certificate in Business Management at the University of the Free State (UFS).
Ntshebo lives in Brandwag and works as a road safety officer at the Department of Police, Roads and Transport.
“I am so humbled and excited about the new journey of re-invention and self-discovery. My duty is to work hard to learn, develop, and empower myself.”
Joani Johnson, chief executive officer of the pageant, says they are proud to work alongside so many strong, formidable, and inspirational married women.
“We want to empower them to be pillars of community, help them with self development, and networking, to be the leaders and social game changers that we need in this country.”
The top 30 will be announced in July, and the crowning will be done in November.
