Meet The Team
The Dream Team
Mrs South Africa
Executive Team
Mrs South Africa has been under the guidance of well-known business woman and entrepreneur, CEO Joani Johnson since 2012. She is supported by her executive Management Team who are all experts in their respective fields.
Chief Executive Officer
Joani Johnson
Former Mrs South Africa, Joani Johnson has been the CEO of Mrs South Africa Pty Ltd since 2011 and the company has seen tremendous growth under her guidance and expertise. She is an acclaimed businesswoman in South Africa and an award-winning entrepreneur. Joani has created a “Dream Team” that has backed the company ever since. Joani has her degree in Communications and is also the founder and CEO of ACE Models International. She has over 15 years of experience in the model, pageant and media industries.
Contestant Wellness Manager
Candice Fehrsen
Candice has a degree in economics from the University of Stellenbosch and worked in the banking sector for over 10 years. From 2011 to 2016 she worked as the Mrs SA pageant manager. She has a heart for women and girls and has facilitated outreach programmes in local schools. She has worked with many charities, including sitting on the board of ‘Keep a Girl In School’. Due to her history with the pageant, she has extensive knowledge of the journey the contestants embark on. Her passion is to see women recognise their value and succeed in the big and little things. She returned to Mrs South Africa in August 2021 in the new role of Contestant Wellness Manager and will be on hand to offer guidance as well as emotional support to the Finalists.
Chief Finance Officer
Margaux Louw
Margaux has a B.Com (CA) degree from the North West University. Having spent many years in a corporate environment, Margaux joined us in permanent capacity early 2016. She brings with her extensive knowledge of finance and accounts.
Office & Sponsorship Manager
Melissa Watkins
Melissa is the Mrs South Africa Sponsorship director and office manager. She manages the relationship with partners. Melissa works closely with our sponsors to make sure objectives are achieved. Melissa joined us in the year 2016 and also acts as the executive assistant to our CEO. Melissa is currently studying towards her Post Grad Degree in Business.
Business Development Rep
Lourine Wannenburg
Lourine has been involved in the Model and Pageant industry for more than 18 years. She has also been involved with the Mrs SA program for the best part of 13 years and is happy to have re-joined in 2022, as Business Development Representative. In this role, her current focus is networking and sales and connecting the right people and businesses, in order to build relationships and fruitful partnerships. With many titles behind her name, including Mrs South Africa 1st runner up in 2008, she is passionate about the Mrs SA brand and the movement.
Official Stylist
Anja Cruse-Bothma
Anja Cruse-Bothma is a wife, mother and a seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience in the global fashion and image industry. As the owner of iStyle established in 2009, she champions the cause of empowering women, one wardrobe at a time. Anja’s impressive journey includes roles as a luxury brand manager, fashion editor, and high-profile stylist. Her work has graced international stages as the official stylist for Mrs. South Africa, and styling for International Pageants and winners. Beyond fashion, Anja is a qualified NLP coach, emphasising personal growth and confidence. Her impact extends far beyond aesthetics as she is a beacon of transformation.
Head of Special Projects
Jo Judnick-Wilson
Mrs South Africa 2022, Jo Judnick-Wilson is a creative at heart, holds a BA in communication Science, with almost 30 years in the marketing, promotions and events industry, with extensive experience in the BTL space. Fondly known as her instagram handle @jozimom, Jo fully embodies the qualities of a real, relatable and virtuous woman, in her role as mother, wife, entrepreneur, influencer, guest speaker and MC.
Chief Operating Officer
Marlene Reddy-Ribeiro
Not only is Marlene the Chief Operating Officer, she was also 2nd Princess in 2016. She oversees events and the contestants’ journey as well. Her degree in Science and Honours degree in Psychology, with her corporate background as a National HR Lead for over 13 years, make her well equipped for her roles. Part time model, full time working mum and newly married, she was also a Board Member for Babies Behind Bars and a Supersport ‘Let’s Play’ Ambassador
Connect With Us
#mrsSouthAfrica
#YourTimeisNow
Mrs South Africa prides itself on its commitment to uplifting and celebrating all married women in South Africa.
