Mrs South Africa handed over R300,000 to three charitable organisations during its annual Women’s Breakfast held at Emperors Palace on Saturday, 12 April – a donation representing the culmination of a year-long fundraising effort by the pageant’s 2024 finalists.
The result of 25 separate fundraising events, the funds were distributed among the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), Family Protection Association (FAMPRO), and Southern Africa Animal Cancer Association (SAACA). As a pageant known for empowering married women as much as for its charitable efforts, the contribution has set a high bar for this year’s semi-finalists, who will carry forward the torch of community service and fundraising for those in need, emerging as powerful voices for change.
Overall, the 2025 Women’s Breakfast was another major success, bringing together hundreds of women from across the country to honour the power of women and the achievements of this year’s semi-finalist class. The 2025 semi-finalists were accompanied by some of the most important people in their lives: their mothers, sisters, daughters, cousins, aunts, and closest friends as they celebrated this memorable moment, and pledged their support for the chapter ahead.
This year’s Women’s Breakfast theme was “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, celebrating timeless couture with touches of pearl, diamond, and gem. The venue was gracefully draped in Tiffany Blue – an iconic soft and elegant robin’s egg blue that’s instantly associated with sophistication and luxury.
Upon entering, guests donated a bra to support local entrepreneur Angela Yeung of the Impilo Foundation’s mission to shine a spotlight on the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), as she prepares to scale the northside of Mount Everest between April and June. Donations to her cause will go to supporting survivors of GBV.
Following tradition, each semi-finalist took to the stage for their moment in the spotlight, where they were formally introduced to the guests, mentors, and judges in attendance. Mrs South Africa CEO Joani Johnson explains, “Their official first stage walk as semi-finalists in front of all the people who will be supporting them throughout this year-long journey is one of the first public acknowledgements that their hard work has paid off – that they’ve made it into the Mrs South Africa sisterhood, and that they’re ready for what we call the ‘MBA of Life’.
“Ultimately, this programme offers them leadership, networking, public speaking, personal branding, and community upliftment skills that they will take with them wherever they go in life. Having the opportunity to stand up in a public forum is an important step in building their confidence as leaders and change-makers, and we were incredibly excited by the talent on display.”
The morning featured a guest appearance by internationally respected brand strategist and pageant coach Werner Wessels, who has played an instrumental role in the journeys of many South African beauty queens. This includes Miss SA 2014 and Miss World 2014 Rolene Strauss, Miss SA 2017 and Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Tebow, and Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi.
Former Mrs South Africa queens also gave the audience some ‘pearls of wisdom’, sharing insights into what it means to be part of the Mrs South Africa sisterhood. Other speakers provided additional advice and motivation for the months ahead.
After breakfast was served, guests were treated to a runway fashion show by acclaimed designers Tienie Boshoff, Belle Togs, Mirella Clothing, and The Godmother Clothing, with a range of chic couture modelled by former finalists and titleholders.
Alongside the programme, pop-up stalls were hosted by Mrs South Africa’s official partners, giving the semi-finalists the opportunity to engage with established South African and international brands. These included lifestyle, fashion, wellness, and philanthropic partners, many of whom have remained loyal supporters of the programme for years.
“The overall tone of the event was one of celebration – of oneself and each other. It was also clear that many of our guests left reflecting on their own journeys. Each year, this programme sees dozens of women take what they’ve learned and the skills they’ve developed with us to impact their communities, make a change in the world, and create better lives for themselves and those around them,” says Jacobs.
Mrs South Africa is made possible by its gracious supporters: iME, Chery Krugersdorp, Skin Renewal, Lamelle, Hirsch’s Homestore, PR Worx, Brentoni Eyewear, BTL Aesthetics, Slimz, PKF Octagon, iStyle, Espavo Hair Design, Action Coach, Collagen Lift Paris, Vitalefemme, and Busamed.
