Terms & Conditions

Mrs SA Terms & Conditions

MRS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD TERMS AND CONDITIONS 2023/24

Mrs South Africa offers women a life-transformation journey, teaching them how to be the best version of themselves; how to be a voice of change, and to show up us the strong, influential women they are. This Self- Discovery Program has been described as an “MBA of Life” offering the Married women, of South Africa, the chance to invest in their life skills, business skills and develop networks, to leverage, in the future.
It is hard work and most of it takes place ‘behind the scenes’ but every year, there are incredible stories where contestants have not only grown and developed, but have been offered new jobs and opportunities, through their participation in the program.

1. MRS SOUTH AFRICA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.1. The Mrs South Africa Brand Pillars of Self Development, Community Work, Networking & the Mrs SA Platform, noted on the website, highlight all aspects of the program & pageant.
1.2. Mrs South Africa provides extensive training, upskilling workshops and webinars, in becoming successful influencers, brand ambassadors and entrepreneurs, as well as how to secure sponsors.
1.3. There is also a focus on business and life skills which extends far beyond the Mrs South Africa journey.
1.4. Contestants are also exposed to the wealth of knowledge from Official Sponsors and other Mrs South Africa associates, during the program.
1.5. Contestants will also be exposed to the official charity organisations (SAACA, CANSA & FAMPRO), with their community projects and therefore have the chance to make a difference.
1.6. Mrs South Africa also provides contestants with tools, such as professional sponsorship proposals and media kits, for them to use in approaching companies and media.
1.7. The proposal offers contestants’ potential gold and silver sponsors the opportunity to gain additional exposure on our platforms and at our events
1.8. As a registered and trademarked company, Mrs South Africa utilises a sponsorship business model and derives its income from sponsorship, fundraising and events.
1.9. This income is used to cover the costs of running the development program, providing training and upskilling for contestants as well as operational, event costs and production costs.
1.10.It is important to understand that Mrs South Africa is Proprietary Limited company i.e. Pty Ltd. Mrs South Africa is NOT a non-profit organisation (NPO) or public benefit organisation (PBO).
1.11. As a company, Mrs South Africa has monthly overheads like any other operational company. Mrs South Africa prides itself on strict adherence to all government rules and regulations, including any prevailing COVID-19 regulations.
1.12. Mrs South Africa prides itself on transparency and professionalism Therefore, the journey and contestant requirements & targets is outlined, in detail, up front to all contestants.
1.13. The contestants are then able to make an informed decision on whether to enter the program or not, fully aware and informed about the journey they have chosen to embark on.
1.14. During each phase of the competition, contestants will be expected to raise a certain amount of sponsorship.
1.15. Mrs South Africa always works with contestants to allow them the maximum time possible to achieve their targets and requirements and Mrs South Africa also provides all the tools necessary, to achieve these goals.
1.16. An Official Mentorship Panel is available should contestants require more direct 1:1 coaching. However, this is not compulsory to utilise.
1.17. Entries opened 1st November 2023 and will close Monday 29th January 2023 17h00. No late entries will be accepted.
1.18. All entries are screened by Mrs South Africa to ensure they meet the minimum requirements, for entry & participation.
1.19. Eligible contestants will be invited to a Live National Casting, on Friday 2nd February 2023, in Gauteng, where the 2024 Semi-finalists will be chosen.
1.20. The 2024 Semi-finalists will be narrowed down to thirty finalists, after Semi-finals Judging process in July 2024.
1.21. The 2024 Crowning will be held in November 2024, where the new titleholders are chosen.
1.22. The requirements, that the contestants are obliged to achieve, are as follows:
1.22.1. Contestants are expected to work in a positive and professional manner with the Management Team, with adherence to the operating guidelines shared
1.22.2. Semi-finalists need to gain a Silver Sponsorship towards their journey.
1.22.3. Finalists need to gain a Gold Sponsorship towards their journey.
1.22.4. Mrs South Africa cap’s the Gold and Silver sponsorship amounts, that contestants contribute towards their journey, within the program, to ensure all contestants enter judging on an equal footing. Ultimately, the Mrs South Africa Crown is not for sale.
1.22.5. Contestants are expected to sell tickets for Mrs South Africa events.
1.22.6. Contestants are involved in marketing of Mrs South Africa’s Official Sponsors.
1.22.7. During the finalist stages of the competition, each finalist is required on to host one fundraiser, for one of the official charities, SAACA (South Africa Animal Cancer Association) and CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa). After Mrs South Africa’s operational costs are covered for managing the fundraising project, the majority of the proceeds i.e. 70% are then donated to the official charities, at end of the campaign.

Mrs South Africa is delighted to share that the official handovers for the 2022 fundraising campaign took place at our Semi-finalist Showcase on 7th July 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOPtQDNxxAg&t=17s

1.23. During the semi-finalist stages of the competition, accommodation and travel will be to the contestant’s own cost.
1.24. Mrs South Africa covers accommodation costs during the Finalist stage of the competition, subject to sponsorship.
1.25. Mrs South Africa is run according to International Pageant Standards, and has the exclusive rights to the largest and most prestigious Mrs Pageants internationally i.e. Mrs World and Mrs Globe.
1.26. The new titleholders are chosen by an independent Selection Committee, of esteemed Judges.
1.27. Mrs South Africa follows a strictly audited Judging process, overseen seen by independent auditors, PKF Octagon. They have been appointed to oversee the judging process and verify that the Mrs. SA Judging processes are fair, impartial and in accordance with the high standards required for Judging.
1.28. The Judging process for each stage of the competition is discussed, in advance, with the contestants.
1.29. Contestants will be required to model in swimwear, as per International Pageantry regulations during Semis Judging, Preliminary Competition and during the final Crowning event. We embrace women of all shapes and sizes, and our program promotes confidence and being comfortable in your own skin.
1.30. The Finalists who score in the Top Three, during the final judging process in pageant week 2024 will be contracted to the organisation for the year of reign, until the next crowning or date of international pageant in which they may compete.
1.31. Mrs South Africa, herself, will become an brand ambassador for Mrs South Africa’s Official Sponsors and will be involved with our Official Charities, as well as other projects.
1.32. Contestants understand and acknowledge that all prizes received are subject to sponsorship and may change from time to time.
1.33. Independent to the Official Judging Process noted, special category awards are awarded as well on a yearly basis, which are also overseen by our official. auditors and is separate the to the official judging. These awards may vary annually but often includes Mrs Photogenic, Mrs Public Choice, Mrs Personality etc. 
1.34. The Official charities also select Ambassador, which is awarded to the Finalist who raises the most of amount of funds and awareness, for that charity.
1.35. Contestants understand that the Judges’ decisions are Final.
1.36. Other than the results announced on stage, no other results will be made available, at any other stage.
1.37. No correspondence will be entered into with the Selection Committee, Auditors, Mrs. SA Management Team or any other associates/affiliates therewith, at any stage, even in future, with regards to the Mrs SA Judging processes.
1.38. Accordingly, there is no right of appeal against the results of Mrs SA Judging processes, at any stage.
1.39. Mrs South Africa Pty Ltd reserves the right to withdraw any contestant, at any time, who does not uphold the values or ethos of the organisation.
1.40. Mrs South Africa Pty Ltd reserves the right to conduct background checks on any contestant in accordance with the laws governing such checks in South Africa.
1.41.The Mrs South Africa Management Team, may also, at their discretion, replace contestants who resign from the pageant, at any stage of the pageant.

2. TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ENTRY INTO THE COMPETITION

2.1. ENTRY TERMS AND CONDITIONS

2.1. All entrants are required to acknowledge that they have read and understand the Mrs. South Africa’s Terms and Conditions, noted above, prior to entry
2.2. Entries are open and will close on Monday 29th January 2024 17h00. No late entries will be considered

2.2. PRE-REQUISITES FOR ENTRY

While Mrs. South Africa does screen and conduct the relevant checks, it is the contestant’s responsibility to check and ensure compliance with the criteria required. All the following pre-requisites which must be fulfilled in order to enter Mrs. South Africa:

  • The contestant has a valid South Africa Identity Document and is a citizen or permanent resident within the Republic of South Africa, with their indicated gender as female
  • The contestant is between the ages of 25 and 55 and should be turning 25 or 55 years of age in 2024
  • The contestant is legally married in terms of the laws of the Republic of South Africa and in possession of a valid marriage certificate, issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs
  • The contestant has valid passport for travel purposes
  • If the contestant does not possess a valid passport, she must apply for and obtain one as soon as is reasonably possible. This is because she may need a passport for international competition/s, should she win the Mrs. South Africa Pageant
  • Contestant has a valid South African Driver’s Licence
  • If the contestant does not possess a valid South African Drivers Licence, she must apply for and obtain one as soon as is reasonably possible. This is because the prize package may include a car, should she win the Mrs. South Africa pageant
  • Should the entrant be selected as Semi-finalist or Finalist in 2024, she will be required to avail herself on all compulsory dates, as indicated on the 2024 Calendar. The format and details of these compulsory event dates will be shared, with contestants, closer to the time
  • The contestant should not be or fall pregnant during the journey. Mrs. South Africa promotes and encourages family values and Mrs. South Africa does not discriminate against pregnancy, it will be physically strenuous for both the contestant (and foetus) to compete in Mrs. South Africa, and at an international level, if she wins Mrs. South Africa while maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Mrs. South Africa would not want to jeopardise the contestant (or foetus) health
  • The contestant must not have been involved in any past activities that may place Mrs. South Africa, its Pageant and/or organisers in a compromised and/or humiliating light both publicly or privately. These activities include, but are not limited to criminality, prostitution, nude public appearances, nude photography and nude videography. Should this come to light, Mrs. South Africa reserves the right to withdraw the contestant, with immediate effect
  • The contestant must not have a past or present criminal record or be involved in any criminality or any kind. Should this come to light, Mrs. South Africa reserves the right to withdraw the contestant, with immediate effect
  • Should a contestant separate, divorce or become widowed during her participation in the pageant, she must notify the Mrs. South Africa Management Team immediately. She will not be withdrawn and may continue in her year of entry
  • The contestant must not be an immediate family member of the Mrs. South Africa Management Team
  • The contestant may be any height or weight as this is not restricted, as a condition for entry
  • The contestant may or may not have tattoos, as this is not restricted
  • The contestant may have any educational background
  • The contestant does not need to have prior modelling or pageant experience 

2.3. COMPLETION OF THE ONLINE ENTRY FORM

2.3.1. In order to enter, entrants will need to complete all six steps:
1.  Read the Mrs. SA terms and conditions, these Entry Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy 
2.  Complete the online entry form, on this website and answer all the questions. There will not be any ‘manual or hard copy’ entry forms
3. Attach two high resolution photos, to the online entry form
4. Attach a clear copy of a valid SA ID & a clear copy of a valid SA Marriage certificate
5. Review the Mrs. South Africa Calendar for 2024 and Contestant FAQ’s on the website
6. Pay the non-refundable entry fee of R650, which includes 15% VAT, via Payfast or EFT. Online entries will not be processed if payment has not been made. Proof of payment must be emailed to marlene@mrssouthafrica.co.za

2.3.2. Successful online entry will be confirmed by a website-generated confirmation email to the entrant’s specified email address
2.3.3. Thereafter, entrants will also receive an email from the Mrs. South Africa Management team, which will outline the next steps 
2.3.4. A valid operational email address must be provided, in order for Mrs. South Africa to communicate with all entrants. Mrs. South Africa Pty Ltd will not be held responsible for communications not received due to in-operational email addresses
2.3.5. All cancellations or withdrawal of entry must be submitted, in writing, to Chief Operating Officer, Marlene Reddy-Ribeiro on marlene@mrssouthafrica.co.za

2.3.6. **NB The act of completing and submitting the online entry form constitutes a binding agreement acknowledging that all the above, as well the Mrs. South Africa’s Terms and Conditions, Entry Terms and conditions & Privacy Policy, noted on website, has been read, understood, and accepted, in full, by the Entrant, prior to entry

2.4. ENTRY FEE

2.4.1. The entry fee is R650 per entrant, and this includes 15% VAT 
2.4.2. The entry fee is non-refundable and will not be refunded to the entrant, even if they withdraw their application
2.4.3. This is payable via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) OR deposit at Standard bank OR on the online payment portal i.e. Pay fast
2.4.4. This must be paid upon completion of the entry form online
2.4.5. Proof of payment must be emailed to marlene@mrssouthafrica.co.za 
2.4.6. Valid proofs of payment are: A clear photo of the original bank deposit slip OR downloaded proof of payment, from internet banking site is required OR email confirmation from Pay fast
2.4.7. The following is not considered valid proof of payment: SMS bank notifications OR email notifications from the bank OR Screenshots from cell phones.

2.4.8. Mrs. South Africa Pty Ltd Banking details:
Name of Account: Mrs. SA Beauty Pageant
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Number: 282926879
Branch Name: Clearwater
Branch Code: 001206
Amount: R650.00
Reference: (Name) Entry
2.4.9. Applicants should use “Name, Entry fee” as beneficiary reference for all EFT payments

2.5. PHOTO SPECIFICATIONS

2.5.1. Entrants must attach two clear, high resolution photos to their online application. This must be one full length photo and one head and shoulders photo
2.5.2. This does not need to be professional photos

2.5.3. Photos should be:
• One head & shoulders photo and one full length photo
• High resolution, in .jpeg or .png format
• Entrant must be dressed in simple daywear
• Entrant must be positioned against plain background and standing alone
• Recent photo, from the past year

2.5.4. Photos must NOT be:
• Entrant’s wedding photos or ‘Selfies’ or 
• Entrant in dress up costumes, gym wear or active wear or
• Entrant with other people or ccreenshots from social media or
• Low resolution or in .pdf or .doc format

Should an entrant require assistance with photographs, we recommend they contact Mrs. SA’s Official Photographers, based in Gauteng, who may be able to assist them. *This is optional to utilise

2.6. NATIONAL CASTING: 2nd FEBRUARY 2024, GAUTENG

2.6.1. All entry forms will be screened by the Mrs. South Africa Management Team
2.6.2. Based on this, Mrs. South Africa will likely host a National Casting on Friday 2nd February 2024, in Gauteng
2.6.3. All qualifying entrants will be invited to the National Casting and they must avail themselves in person, in order to be considered for a place as a Semi-finalist, for 2024
2.6.4. No virtual attendance will be allowed
2.6.5. At this casting, Entrants will be interviewed, in person
2.6.6. From this pool, the 2024 Semi-finalists will be chosen
2.6.7. More details will follow in early 2024, from the Mrs. South Africa Management Team

2.7. SEMI-FINALIST WORKSHOP: 3rd – 4th FEBRUARY 2024, GAUTENG

2.7.1. A Semi-finalist Workshop, over two full days i.e. Saturday 3th and Sunday 4th February 2024, will take place in Gauteng
2.7.2. This is compulsory for all successful semi-finalists
2.7.3. This is to prepare all Semi-finalists for the journey ahead, as well as to upskill and empower them
2.7.4. All Semi-finalists must attend, in person. Virtual attendance will not be allowed
2.7.5. The dress code is “Pageant casual” which is smart day wear
2.7.6. The final times and itineraries will follow in early 2024. Generally they start quite early and end late each day
2.7.7. All travel and accommodation during the entry and Semi-finalist stages are to the entrant’s own account

2.8. SOCIAL MEDIA 

2.8.1. We encourage entrants to follow Mrs South Africa on all the social media platforms and links can be found on our home page.

2.9. QUERIES 

2.9.1. Due to the high volume of queries, all queries can be directed to Marlene Reddy-Ribeiro, Chief Operating Officer, on email only please at marlene@mrssouthafrica.co.za

2.9.2. Whatsapp will not be used as means for communication given the high volume of application and queries

Mrs South Africa Pty Ltd wishes all entrants the best of luck with their applications!

3.TERMS OF WEBSITE USE

3.1. Electronic Communications

3.1.1. The provider uses a compliant and secure mailing system in order to communicate pertinent and relevant competition, official sponsor and/or marketing information to contestants
3.1.2. Mrs South Africa Pty Ltd will email contestants but will always provide an opt-out mechanism allowing entrants to unsubscribe easily and safely from the email database, if required
3.1.3. However, the entrant should communicate with the Mrs South Africa office and find an acceptable channel for professional and secure communication
3.1.4. By using this website or communicating with the provider by electronic means, the user consents and acknowledges that any, and all agreements, notices, disclosures, or any other communication satisfies any legal requirement, including but not limited to the requirement that such communications should be in writing.

3.2. Privacy

3.2.1. The website mrssouthafrica.co.za may provide access, at its discretion, to any data stored on its systems in the interest of the party providing the personal information
3.2.2. Documents such as ID’s, marriage certificates, drivers licences, passports etc are collected during the competition process, for purposes of verifying eligibility to enter, as well as for prize and travel purposes
3.2.3. The confidential personal information required for executing the competition processes is stored on a secure platform, namely the user’s personal, contact and address information. Delivery address and telephone numbers will be kept in the strictest confidence by the provider and not sold or made known to anonymous third parties, without consent
3.2.4. Only the necessary information, that is the delivery address and contact phone number will be made known to third parties delivering any pageant related items or products, where courier services may be required, or in order to promote the user in the realm of professional interest. The provider will supply all goods to the delivery company in good order. The Provider will not be held liable for the condition of goods arriving at the user’s chosen delivery address
3.2.5. Banking or credit card details are not collected or stored by the provider under any circumstances
3.2.6. The provider cannot be held responsible for security breaches occurring on the user’s electronic device (personal computer or other electronic device used to browse the website), which may result due to the lack of adequate virus protection software or spyware that the user may inadvertently have installed on his/her device.

3.3. Online Payments
3.3.1. Any payments retrieved on our website are processed by third-party authorised financial service providers like PayFast. More information about how they process and store information can be viewed on their websites respectively: www.payfast.co.za 
3.3.2. The appropriate processors identity and contact information is provided on our system prior to transaction and on your receipt from them when payment is made. The appropriate terms and conditions for your chosen payment method can be found on the website of that payment processor. Payment via our website deems acceptance of their terms and conditions

3.4. Merchant Outlet country and Transaction Currency
3.4.1. The merchant outlet country at the time of presenting payment options to the cardholder is South Africa. Transaction currency is South African Rand (ZAR).

3.5. Cookies

3.5.1. A Cookie file is, according to Wikipedia, a small piece of data sent from a website and stored in a user’s web browser while a user is browsing a website. When the user browses the same website in the future, the data stored in the cookie can be retrieved by the website to notify the website of the user’s previous activity. Cookies were designed to be a reliable mechanism for websites to remember the state of the website or activity the user had taken in the past. This can include clicking particular buttons, logging in, or a record of which pages were visited by the user even months or years ago. More information on that topic can be find on Wikipedia.
3.5.2. Purposes of storage and gaining access to cookies:
3.5.2.1. Website personalisation (for example: saving font size, sight challenged version of website or template version) 
3.5.2.2. Saving data or user’s decisions (for example: no need to enter login and password on every website, remembering login during the next visit, keeping information on products added to cart)
3.5.2.3. Social websites integration (for example: displaying your friends, fans or post publishing on Facebook or Google+ directly from the website), adjusting adverts that are display on the website, creating website’s statistics and flow statistics between different websites.
3.5.3. Due to vast number of technological solutions, it is not possible to publish clear guidelines how to set the conditions of storage and gaining access to cookies using settings of all available devices and software installed on them. However, in most cases, select “Tools” or “Settings” and there find the section that corresponds to the configuration settings for cookies or for the management of privacy. Detailed information is usually provided by the manufacturer of the device or browser in a manual or on their website.

3.6. Limitation of Liability
3.6.1. The Website and all Content on the Website, including any current or future offer of services, are provided on an “as is” basis, and may include inaccuracies or typographical errors
3.6.2. The owners make no warranty or representation as to the availability, accuracy or completeness of the content
3.6.3. Neither provider nor any holding company, affiliate or subsidiary of provider, shall be held responsible for any direct or indirect special, consequential or other damage of any kind whatsoever suffered or incurred, related to the use of, or the inability to access or use the content or the website or any functionality thereof, or of any linked website, even if provider is expressly advised thereof.

3.7. Privacy: Casual Surfing

3.7.1. The User may visit the Website without providing any personal information. The Website servers will in such instances collect the IP address of the User computer, but not the email address or any other distinguishing information
3.7.2. This information is aggregated to measure the number of visits, average time spent at the Website, pages viewed, etc.
3.7.3. Provider uses this information to determine use of the Website, and to improve Content thereon. Provider assumes no obligation to protect this information, and may copy, distribute or otherwise use such information without limitation.

3.8. Choice of Law

3.8.1. This Website is controlled, operated and administered by the provider from its offices, within the Republic of South Africa
3.8.2. Access to the Website from territories or countries where the content or purchase of the products sold on the website is illegal, is prohibited
3.8.3. The user may not use this website in violation of South African export laws and regulations
3.8.4. If the user accesses this website from locations outside of South Africa, that user is responsible for compliance with all local laws
3.8.5. These terms and conditions shall be governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, and the User consents to the jurisdiction of the Witwatersrand High Court in the event of any dispute
3.8.6. If any of the provisions of these terms and conditions are found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to give effect to the intent of these terms and conditions, and the remainder of these terms and conditions shall continue in full force and effect
3.8.7. These terms and conditions constitute the entire agreement between the provider and the user regarding the use of the content and this website.

3.9. Privacy Policy, POPIA and Data Storage

3.9.1. The provider and its third-party service providers shall, without liability, take all reasonable steps to protect the personal information of users as per guidelines set out in the Privacy Policy, including POPI Act.
3.9.2. PAIA manual is available here.
3.9.3. The user reserves to right to have their data removed from the servers on which it is stored at any time by submitting verifiable correspondence to the data processor i.e. Andre van Zyl andre.vanzyl@salescollab.co.za 
3.9.4. The system provided for mrssouthafrica.co.za collects information that is otherwise stored indefinitely on a secure dedicated server hosted and managed by Andre van Zyl of SalesCollab.
3.9.5. All information is submitted via SSL encypted services using HTTPS security.

3.10. Variation
3.10.1. The provider may, in its sole discretion, change this agreement or any part thereof from time-to-time without notice
3.10.2. Updated terms and conditions will be made available publicly, on our website on a regular basis.