Mentors
Your Guide to Greatness
Mrs SA Official Mentorship Panel 2026
The Official Mentorship Panel was established in response to contestants’ desire for deeper guidance and more personalised support from women with proven industry and pageant experience. Our mentors primarily serve as pageant coaches, offering expert insight into pageant preparation and judging expectations, while also providing emotional support throughout the contestant journey. Participation in the mentorship programme is entirely optional. Contestants may choose to work with one or more of the mentors listed below at any stage of their journey, based on their individual needs and goals.
Aligned with our brand pillar of Network, this programme operates independently of Mrs. South Africa (Pty) Ltd. Mentors are compensated directly for their time and expertise, with all bookings and arrangements managed between the contestant and the mentor. Mrs. South Africa does not receive any financial benefit from this programme. We are proud to introduce our exceptional Official Mentor Panel for 2026. Each mentor has achieved notable success within the Mrs. South Africa pageant, reflecting the strength, depth, and sisterhood of the Mrs. South Africa network.
We Are Excited To Announce Our Stellar Official Mentor Panel For 2026
Our Core Mentors
Cathy Heaton
Personal Information
Fourways, Gauteng
cathy@cathyheaton.co.za
Mrs SA 2nd Princess 2015 (year competed 2014)
Cathy Heaton is 48 and lives in Fourways, Johannesburg. She is the mother of two grown sons. She is an award-winning makeup artist and published photographer with two best-selling pregnancy and baby journals. Cathy holds the title of 2nd Princess Mrs South Africa ‘15, Mrs South Africa Classique ‘24 and 2nd Princess Mrs Globe Classique ‘24. Cathy is a very successful pageant coach and is proud that many of her mentees have won national and international titles. She has studied towards a BA Communications, Professional Makeup Diploma, Social Media Consulting and Life Coaching Certification. Her passions lie in marketing, makeup, photography, social media, styling, networking, interview preparation and strategies, brand building, sponsorships and creating pageant campaigns. Cathy is a women empowerment coach hosting monthly workshops as the Director of ACE Models JHB North and focuses on helping women reach their full potential and becoming the best versions of themselves. She also hosts weekly class for younger models and has won ACE Models New Franchise of the Year 2019, ACE Models Franchise of the Year 2021 and 2023 and ACE Models Director of the Year 2022.
Léchar Knezovich
Personal Information
Midrand, Gauteng
rosebank@acemodels.co.za
Mrs South Africa 2nd Princess 2023, Mrs South Africa Social Media award 2022
What I love is deeply intertwined with what I do. I am the Director of ACE Models Rosebank and a board member of ACE Models International, a global academy shaping future talent. I hold a Master’s in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor’s in Marketing, supporting my passion for people development and brand strategy. I began modelling at 16 and have built a career rooted in purpose and impact. In 2023, I was crowned Mrs South Africa 2nd Princess and won the Social Media Award, recognised for relationship-building and content creation with leading brands. I lead Perfect Fit, a bra brand empowering women and restoring confidence in breast cancer survivors. I also host the Build a Business SA podcast, inspiring entrepreneurial growth and helping others find their unique voice. My mentees know me for igniting purpose and sharing strategic brand ideas. I currently hold the title of Mrs South Africa International 2026 and will compete in Chicago this July.
Marelize Earle
Personal Information
George, Western Cape
mrsclassiqueglobe2025@gmail.com
Mrs SA 2002, Mrs Universe 2002 2nd Runner-up, Face Of The Universe 2002, Mrs Classique Globe South Africa 2025, Mrs Classique Globe 2025 (International)
Marelize Earle is a purpose-driven leader, mentor and entrepreneur with over four decades of experience in the fashion, beauty, media and pageant industries. A former Miss South Africa Runner-up, Mrs South Africa and Mrs Classique Globe, she brings a rare depth of lived experience, credibility and compassion to every role she undertakes. Her journey spans international modelling, television presenting, business ownership and advanced education in dermal science. As the founder of Dermastetix Skin Care Clinic and a long-standing mentor and judge for Mrs South Africa, Marelize is deeply committed to empowering women to lead with confidence, authenticity and purpose. Guided by faith and a strong sense of service, Marelize is passionate about helping women recognise their worth, refine their personal brand and use their platforms to create meaningful impact. Her mentorship is rooted not only in excellence and professionalism, but in heart, integrity and the belief that true leadership begins with serving others.
Marika Opperman
Personal Information
Gauteng Province
canellaproductions@gmail.com
@marika.opperman
2020 Finalist & Woman Empowerment Award
Marika is a wife, mom of two, and entrepreneur navigating multiple roles with purpose, humour, and a passion for beautiful things. As a creator of collaborations and connector of women, she’s a lifestyle content creator, voice over artist, event emcee, TV host, and model. With a striking look and statuesque height, Marika has established herself in fashion and modelling, locally and abroad. She’s signed with Boss Models where she struts the runway at SA Fashion Week, & Talent ETC and hosts her own TV show segments, “Moves & Mimosas” on VIA tv 147. She is an active inspirer-brand ambassador for Lamelle Research Laboratories. A motivational speaker, Marika shares her story of “Hope and Second Chances,” empowering women and inspiring growth. She hosts social media and posing workshops, helping others become their best selves.
Terisa Hsu-Lee
Personal Information
Cape Town, Western Cape
terisa@everbeauty.co.za
Mrs SA Top 5 2023
Terisa Hsu-Lee is a multi-disciplinary, award-winning entrepreneur, philanthropist & public speaker. As the 1st South Africaneese Mrs SA 2023 Top Five titleholder she brings lived experience and strategic insight to the transformational Mrs South Africa journey. Terisa holds a bachelor’s degree in business communications and a Postgraduate in Brand Contact Management, blending academic excellence with real-world impact across beauty, branding, PR, sponsorship, investment, and philanthropic sectors. Married for 18 years and a mother of 2 teenagers, she balances multiple-career roles, marriage, and passion with intention and grace. Terisa was the official coach to the reigning Mrs South Africa Queen Verushka Singh, walking alongside her journey from semi-finalist to crowning. As Lead Sponsorship Partner for SASMA, Terisa co-led Africa’s first Digital Twin AI workshop for content creators. Terisa is ready to serve our 2026 contestants not only to excel on stage, but to embrace their invisible crowns by leading with confidence, purpose and authenticity.
Noeline Rajbally
Personal Information
Durban, KwaZulu Natal
noeline@salog.co.za
noelinerajbally
1st Princess 2024
Professional Experience: Noeline Rajbally is a multifaceted leader, devoted wife, and proud mother, renowned for her impact across business, leadership, and personal development. A dynamic entrepreneur, she has made her mark in multiple industries. Noeline serves as Executive Director of African Sugar Logistics, a leading logistics and supply chain company, and is Co-owner of Unalome Bespoke Wedding & Function Venue. She is the visionary Founder of The Mindfulness Academy, where she is passionately committed to educating, empowering, and elevating women and children. Noeline is also Co-Founder of HerStory Circle, a women’s collective focused on shared experiences, healing, and growth. A sought-after motivational speaker, Noeline inspires positive transformation through authenticity and lived experience. Her influence extends beyond business, having earned recognition as Mrs South Africa 1st Princess 2024, Mrs South Africa Globe Top 20 and to name some of her awards Motivator of the Year, Mountain Top Award recipient and KZN Top Business Women Award 2025.
Tshiamo Githinji
Personal Information
Sandton, Gauteng
hlabyagokt@gmail.com
Tshiamo_githinji
First Princess 2025
Business Analyst in the banking and fintech industry at FirstRand; formerly a Mechanical Engineer in the automotive manufacturing industry at BMW. Tshiamo Githinji is an innovative engineer, business analyst, and passionate advocate for sustainable development and youth empowerment. With a background in mechanical engineering and a strong interest in energy-efficient technologies, she combines technical expertise with strategic thinking to drive meaningful change. Tshiamo has built a dynamic career across the automotive and fintech sectors, and is a former Mrs South Africa First Princess and current Mrs Globe 3rd Runner-Up. She leverages her platform to inspire purpose-driven leadership, champion women in STEM, and promote impactful community initiatives. Known for her professionalism, warmth, and impact-focused approach, Tshiamo brings both compassion and excellence to every space she enters, committed to creating a future where innovation meets people, purpose, and progress.
