Mentors
Your Guide to Greatness
Mrs SA Official Mentorship Panel 2024
The Official Mentorship panel was established in response to the contestant’s need for more in depth advice and guidance from women with experience in the industry. Mentors are there to act as life and pageant coaches, as well as provide emotional support. This is optional and therefore it is not compulsory for contestants to utilise. Contestants may use one or many of the mentors listed below, at any stage of their journey.
While aligned to our brand pillar of Network, this program runs independently from Mrs. South Africa Pty Ltd. Mentors are reimbursed for their time and expertise directly. All mentor bookings are made and managed directly with the mentor themselves. Mrs. South Africa does not receive any financial benefit from the program.
In 2024, we will once again have Core, Regional and Speciality Mentors. Core Mentors will focus on the entirety of the Mrs. SA Journey, and all aspects of the Journey. All our core mentors are former contestants who placed in the Top Three and understand the Mrs. South Africa Brand & Platform, in depth. In addition, we also have Speciality mentors who’s core focus will be their area of expertise. Lastly, Regional mentors will provide assistance in particular geographical regions. Our Regional & Speciality Mentors are also former contestants, which is a tribute to the Mrs. South Africa network & sisterhood!
We are excited to announce our stellar Official Mentor Panel for 2024:
Core Mentors
Aldytha Da Silva
Personal Information
Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal
aldytha@makeupyourmind.co.za
aldytha_da_silva
Mrs SA 1st Princess 2016 & Charity recognition award 2016; Mrs Universe 2016 Top 10; Mrs Universe 2017 Judge; Mrs South Africa 2020 Judge & Core Mentor 2022 & 2023
Aldytha is a sought-after make-up artist with 30 years’ experience in the world of fashion, modelling, beauty and as a business owner. Her authentic, uncomplicated, sincere yet intentional approach will assist you in creating the most powerful journey. Her strength lies in creating professional media content in the form of photographic shoots. She has one of the best catwalks in the business and offers modelling and photographic classes. Aldytha’s skill as a makeup artist will ensure you have your “game face” on point! Her public speaking is a skill honed and she will assist in finding your “Why”. Aldytha has been married for 18 years and has three beautiful children.
Cathy Heaton
Personal Information
Fourways, Gauteng
cathy@cathyheaton.co.za
cathyheatonsa
2nd Princess 2015 & Official Mentor 2015 – 2023
Cathy is an award-winning makeup artist and published photographer. She is a successful pageant coach with many of her mentees winning national and international titles, including four recent Mrs. SA winners. She has studied towards a BA Communications, Professional Makeup Diploma and Social Media Consulting Certificate from UCT. Her passions lie in makeup, photography, model training, social media, styling, networking, interview preparation and strategies, brand building and creating campaigns for pageant contestants. Cathy is a women empowerment coach as the Director of ACE Models JHB North. She also hosts weekly class for younger models.
Léchar Knezovich
Personal Information
Midrand, Gauteng
lecharknez@gmail.com
lecharknezovich
Mrs South Africa 2nd Princess 2023, Mrs South Africa Social Media award 2022
Lechar excels in building relationships and creating content for renowned brands. With a modelling career that began at 16, she’s now the co-director of Ace Models Rosebank, winning the Ace New Director of the Year award. Léchar is also a Property Manager and the director of Perfect Fit, which allows her to restore confidence in cancer survivors. She hosts the podcast “Build a Business SA”, while pursuing degrees in Marketing and Human Resource Management. Léchar is here to help you find your entrepreneurial spirit while discovering your unique voice.
Marelize Earle
Personal Information
George, Western Cape
marelize@earp.co.za
marelizesteynearle
Mrs SA 2002, Mrs SA 2002 People’s Choice, Mrs SA 2002 Modelling Award, Mrs Universe 2nd Runner-up, Mrs Universe Face of the Universe
Marelize is a Aesthetician and professional make-up artist and owns a Skin Care Clinic and Make-up Studio in George. She holds a degree in Advance Dermal Science (Cum Laude) from Isa Carstens Academy. She started modelling at the age of 15, was crowned Miss SA 1993 2nd Runner-up and won Mrs SA 2002. She launched and managed Storm Models in Johannesburg and launched the Finesse Magazine. She has also been a kykNET & MNET TV presenter. “With over 38 years of experience in the industry, I will help you navigate your journey to becoming your best self”.
Zikhona Ngxata
Personal Information
Gauteng
zngxata@motus.co.za
zikhonangxata87
Mrs. SA 1st Princess 2021
Zikhona Ngxata studied Public Relation Management at the University of Johannesburg, she is a Sales Executive and Brand Ambassador for Mercedes Benz Sandton. Over and above Zikhona is a community builder and leader. She has leadership certificate from Rotary, thus the founder of Miss Eastern Cape Beauty with a purpose, a Director of BWP Academy. A skills development centre for the underprivileged. Zikhona is a career woman, a Business woman and a Philanthropist.
Zikhona is a mother of three beautiful daughters, a sister to her siblings and friend. Zikhona is a bond servant who thrives to make a positive impact to those who come across her path.
Regional Mentors
Anita Momberg
Personal Information
Zevenwacht, Western Cape
Western Cape
anita@bigtimebond.com
anita_momberg
Top 30 Finalist 2023
Anita is a serial entrepreneur with a remarkable track record of establishing and scaling successful businesses across various industries. Known for her entrepreneurial flair, Anita has demonstrated the ability to identify opportunities and turn ideas into thriving ventures. Beyond the business realm, she is actively involved in numerous organizations, showcasing a deep commitment to community engagement and social impact.
As a Foster Mum and Kin Culture NPC ambassador she passionately champions children’s rights. A 2023 finalist, she showcases diverse strengths, leadership skills, and a commitment to empowering woman in pursuing their passions.
Dawn Arendse
Personal Information
Paarl, Western Cape
Western Cape
dawnaarendse@gmail.com
Dawn Arendse
Top 30 Finalist 2023
Dawn is passionate about sisterhood and a strong advocate against age barriers. A qualified teacher, MPRE property practitioner, event coordinator and owner of three businesses. Married for 28 years and mom to three adult children whom she still guides by setting an example of hard work, dedication, resilience, and determination. She would like every mentee to evolve so that she has the mindset of a queen and the heart of a warrior.
Dominique Tibbles
Personal Information
Krugersdorp, Gauteng
West Rand, Gauteng
dominique@contaxacc.co.za
@dominiquetibbles
2019 Women Empowerment Winner
Dominique believes in living life to the fullest, having won her personal war against GBV and showing other warriors that your life is yours to succeed in, despite what was taken from you. She has a “Living List” of adventures to tick off! She is a proud mother to her daughter Nicolette. She is a woman of faith. She is an entrepreneur and adventurer, not to mention runner up in Come Dine with Me SA. Her proudest achievement is being the founder of nonprofit Belly2Brain, where they completed many fantastic fundraising efforts for their local communities including 15000 sandwiches this past Madiba Day. “We are given the gift of time. How will you maximize it?!”
Nadine Van Der Wateren
Personal Information
Muldersdrift, Gauteng
West Rand, Gauteng
Nadine.vanderwateren@icloud.com
hoop.nadine
Top 30 Finalist 2023
Nadine is 48 years old and has a degree in Political Science and Honours in Strategic Change Management. She is passionate about creating strategic solutions in healthcare and connecting with leaders in meaningful relationships to inspire others to experience better outcomes. She has one son with her spouse, whom she has been married for 18 years. She is passionate about everything beautiful and aims to keep it local. She applies her focus and hands to her own product line, Organic Lisah. She inspires to hold onto hope, writing stories with meaningful messages which further impacts identity and vision, leaving you with a promise.
Natalie Leach
Personal Information
East London, Eastern Cape
East London, Eastern Cape
natalieleach1@gmail.com
@natsleach
Top 10 2021
Natalie is a wife and mother to two beautiful girls. She believes that personal growth and aspirations are key in order to keep your cup overflowing. She is passionate about assisting women to grow and become the best versions of themselves, despite their circumstances.
Natalie is a wife and mother to two beautiful girls. She believes that personal growth and aspirations are key in order to keep your cup overflowing. She is passionate about assisting women to grow and become the best versions of themselves, despite their circumstances.
Priya Patel
Personal Information
Sunninghill, Gauteng
JHB North, Gauteng
thisbepri312@gmail.com
@thisbepri
Top 5 Finalist 2022
Actor, model, MC, entrepreneur and boss babe of multiple businesses, Priya has mastered the art of flexibility and creativity, coupled with good old fashioned work ethic. A passionate advocate for self-love and inner healing, she endeavors to touch the lives of all she encounters, aiming to lead with integrity, teach with kindness, & empower with love. She is mum to two children, whom she hopes to inspire to live authentic lives. She wishes to enrich the lives of mentees and to teach them to embrace the inevitable inner growth, to chase their goals fearlessly, but never forgetting to do so with compassion, grace & honour.
Speciality Mentors
Busi Selesho
Personal Information
Waterfall, Gauteng
Money Coaching and Sponsorship
busi@busiselesho.com
@busiselesho
Semi-Finalist 2019
Busi is an Internationally Accredited Money Coach, Author and Speaker empowering individuals to have a better relationship with money, how to get out of the debt cycles and enjoy financial wellness and abundance.
She is listed as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Young South Africans in 2017 by Avance Media. She an Award Winning, International Bestselling Author. She teaches her clients how to tap into their skills sets, how to use their unused skills to make money, to take care of themselves and to impact others’ lives.
Deliwe Selepe
Personal Information
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Media and Mind, Body & Soul
deliwekamsibi@gmail.com
@deliweselepe
Top 30 Finalist 2023
Deliwe feels privileged to walk this beautiful journey with you, a journey that transformed her life and will transform yours too, without a doubt. She is a Media Specialist by profession and she is also a yoga instructor, who is passionate about healing through slow body movement. She had her industry walk the Semi-Finalist and Finalist journey with her. She cannot wait to share the knowledge and media nuances to help you, through your journey. She looks forward to helping you keep grounded, taking care of your Mind Body and Soul.
Lebogang Masekela
Personal Information
Centurion, Gauteng
Holistic Health & Wellness
lebogangmasekela@ymail.com
@drlebogangmasekela & @drlebogang_nutrition.wellness
Top 30 Finalist 2023
Lebogang is a Medical Doctor, Nutritionist and Holistic Wellness Coach at her wellness clinic in Centurion. She was born and bred in Polokwane, Limpopo. She is a mother of four, enjoying her blended family with her husband. I’m also a model for ACE Models International, JHB North branch.
Her mission is to transform into my “Higher Self”, so that she can assist people become the best versions of themselves, through holistic healing. She believes that once you start taking care of your mind, body and spirit as a unit, you will transform into your higher self and find complete healing. “Allow me to show you how!”
Tanita Olivier van der Merwe
Personal Information
Pretoria, Gauteng
Charities, Presentations Skills
tanitaoli4@gmail.com
tanita_van_der_merwe
Mentor 2022 – 2024 & Finalist 2021
Tanita, an engineer with a master’s degree, is a dedicated wife and mother of twin boys. As the founder of the NPC “AE Warrior Foundation,” she leverages her expertise in project and events management to guide others in planning successful charity events. Despite a busy schedule, Tanita excelled as a finalist, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Her extensive knowledge extends to finding sponsors, building networks, and minimizing expenses for impactful journeys. Tanita’s philosophy centers on evolving one’s purpose, culminating not necessarily in a physical crown, but in a resilient inner strength forged through life’s challenges.
Tshego Dludla
Personal Information
Midrand, Gauteng
Partnerships, Presentation & Interview Skills
dludlatshego@gmail.com
Tshego.dludla
Top 25 Finalist 2021
Tshego is tech entrepreneur, mom and wife. Her extensive experience in networking, corporate partnerships as well as pitching for funding and sponsorships has offered her success as a Mrs SA mentor. She is an international keynote speaker for the edutech industry, women empowerment and holistic wellness.
Passionate about “mom-powerment”, she advocates for moms to be their best selves. Guiding them to make the most of their time, energy and money. She uses her story to uplift her mentees to great success. She scouted and mentored reigning Mrs SA and looks forward to developing new candidates.
Speciality Mentors
Adele Koolen
Personal Information
Fourways, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Charity & Fundraising
– Influencer Award 2019
– People’s Choice 2019
– Mrs Charity 2019
I am Adele Koolen, 40 years old. I am a business owner specialising in digital marketing, social media and brand building. Married for 13 years to Johan with one beautiful 5.5 year old boy, Desmond. I am a self-confessed shopaholic, with a love for all things pretty. After participating in Mrs SA, the world of lifestyle influencing opened to me. I have since started as a mommy blogger, and my son is quite the toy influencer. My special skill is I can teach anyone to find their strengths and play to them, while working on the little things you can do better on. My Mrs SA journey was the best thing I ever embarked on. If it wasn’t for this platform, I would likely never have become a mom. You will never know who you may meet, and how you can impact each other’s lives.
adele@koolcon.co.za
Busi Selesho
Personal Information
Waterfall, Gauteng
Money Coach – Sponsorship & Fundraising
Semi-Finalist 2019
Busi Selesho is an Internationally Accredited Money Coach, Money consciousness Teacher, Author and Speaker. She helps individuals who wants to have a better relationship with money, helping them to change their money mindset and be able to use their untapped skills, to make money.
busi@busiselesho.com
Dominique Tibbles
Personal Information
Krugersdorp, Gauteng
Requirements of the Journey: Contracts, Deadlines, Targets
Finalist & Women Empowerment Winner 2019
Dominique believes in living life to the fullest, having won her own personal war against GBV and showing other warriors that your life is yours to succeed in, despite what was taken from you. She is a mother, woman of faith, entrepreneur, adventurer, Mrs. Westrand, Mrs. Krugersdorp Curve Winner, and runner up on Come Dine with Me SA. Her proudest achievement is being the founder of non-profit Belly2Brain, where they have done many fantastic fundraising efforts for their local communities 12000 sandwiches this past Madiba Day. Dominique believes that we are given the gift of time and the question is how will you use it!
dominique@contaxacc.co.za
Pearl Osa
Personal Information
Johannesburg Gauteng
Personal Branding and the Empowered Mindset
Mrs. SA Finalist 2020
Pearl is fondly known as the Possibility Broker because of the unbelievable feat of carrying a pregnancy during a beauty pageant and still placing as a finalist; a month post-partum. However, what really warrants the title for her is the fact that this was her eleventh baby and the ninth born by C-section. Pearl homeschools while Edutaining through her roles as an author, singer, public speaker, mentor/coach, pageant judge, proprietor of women, youth and children’s Faith based Academies, philanthropist, and Producer and Host of her own Talk Show on International TV. Three of her famous life quotes are “You can do YOUR everything”; “I am POWER”& “Life is lived in seasons”. Her passion is to see people step out of fear and into possibility and power, to chase and fulfill their purpose; all of it, to have their lives transformed and to reach their fullest potential.
Stacy van den Heever
Personal Information
Boksburg, Gauteng
Nutrition & Wellness
2021 Finalist
Stacy is a Sports Nutritionist and Wellness Coach. She is a mom, a wife, an entrepreneur, and a 2021 Mrs. South Africa finalist. She has a natural passion for health and fitness. Stacy has an international diploma in Sports Nutrition. Her specialty is helping women achieve optimal performance and health through a personalised approach. She strives to allow women to flourish into their best selves physically, learning to balance good nutrition and enjoyment of food. She believes in progress over perfection and that better health comes through daily practice and not restrictive dieting. My goal is to help you fuel your body for energy, to honor your body and live with purpose, all whilst achieving your personalised goals.
info@giftmefabulous.co.za
Tanita van der Merwe
Personal Information
Pretoria, Gauteng
Event Planning & Presentations
Finalist 2021, Mentor 2022
Tanita is an engineer, wife, mother to twin boys and founder of the NPC “AE Warrior Foundation”. Tanita’s has vast knowledge on how to plan a successful charity event, with her Project Management and Events Management certifications. If you need guidance on how to find sponsors, if you don’t have a network, or how to create and prepare for a killer presentation, Tanita can help. According to Tanita: “It’s so important to remember WHY you entered and that you evolve your why as you grow through your journey. You might not end with a physical crown, but like me you can end your journey with a crown built from inner strength, resilience and perseverance, which is so easily lost throughout the journey of life.”
It goes without saying that Tanita is extremely busy, yet she manages to make the most of everything in her life. Tanita’s experience goes beyond just on how to be extremely busy and still cope with being a Mrs SA finalist and ensure that you maintain a healthy lifestyle, physically and emotionally. She also has great knowledge on how to run a successful charity event, how to find sponsors if you don’t have a network and how to reduce unnecessary expenses to ensure your journey won’t cost you a fortune.
According to Tanita: “It’s so important to remember WHY you entered and even evolve your why as you grow on your journey. You might not end with a physical crown, but like me you can end your journey with a crown built from inner strength, resilience and perseverance, which is so easily lost throughout the journey of life.”
tanitaoli4@gmail.com
Tshego Dludla
Personal Information
Midrand, Gauteng
Sponsorship Pitching and Presentation skills
Top 25
Wife, mom, tech entrepreneur and so much more. Tshego is passionate about helping moms find themselves by fighting mom guilt and through self-care. As a Tech entrepreneur and NPO director, she has years of experience in pitching and deal making as well creating partnerships and sponsorship. She is also an international speaker with extensive experience on different kinds of platforms. She is a powerhouse who has learned the art of juggling the different balls that life throws at you.
dludlatshego@gmail.com
Sandra Zaca
Personal Information
Pretoria, Gauteng
Etiquette, Mind Set, Business
Top 10 Finalist 2021
Sandra is a refugee, survivor and a champion for vulnerable and displaced women. She works as a Mindset Strategist, a Transformational speaker and in 2021, was a Top Ten finalist in Mrs South Africa. Against the odds, she arrived in South Africa as a teenager, taught herself English and graduated with a degree in Psychology and Political Science. Her life experience has birthed a passion for empowering women, which led her to found Brave Spaces, an organisation that supports other women, particularly those impacted by gender-based violence, to develop resilient mindsets. Brave Spaces coaches leaders to lead with compassion and to create safer environments. She also speaks as a keynote, to encourage her audiences to be resilient, tenacious and hopeful. Sandra’s story is one of courage, hope and resilience. Her aim is to help other women to live healthy vibrant lives. She lives in Pretoria with her husband and three children.
sandra@bravespaces.co.za
