Boksburg beauty shines as Mrs SA semi-finalist

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Mqwathi, originally from a small town called Estcourt, in KwaZulu-Natal, was one of 100 beautiful, sophisticated and married women who came together for a women-empowering workshop, at Emperors Palace, recently.

She grew up on the outskirts of Estcourt, in a village called Loskop, and currently works for acQuire Technologies Solutions, as a Geoscientific Data Technologist.

Mqwathi has been married for almost three years to her husband, Erick Wandile Mqwathi.

Her hobbies are baking, reading motivational books and keeping fit.

As a young girl, growing up in the rural areas, Mqwathi always wanted to be the voice for young girls in the rural areas who are being manipulated and lured to marry at a very young age – most often against their will.

“I would like to start a foundation that will help to educate, empower and uplift the young girls and help them to focus on education and build their self-worth,” she said.

“I want to help them exercise their human rights of refusing to be forced into marriage and also assist them to focus on education and to build a bright future, whether they decide to marry at a later stage or not.”

What mostly drives Mqwathi every day is her daily morning devotions, without which she cannot start a day and be fruitful.

“Also, the willingness to help someone and to put a smile on their face, because it doesn’t matter how small or unnoticed the effort may be, you must count it as a blessing,” she said.

“And, lastly, my wonderful husband, who always encourages and supports me and, above all, who allows me to be the best version of myself.”

This is her first time entering the Mrs South Africa pageant.

Mrs South Africa has to be the brand ambassador for the country, therefore she must be able to relate to different people across all ages, be able to understand them and also have different ways of dealing with them.

“As Miss SA you must also have the heart for the people and be passionate about helping them; also be flexible and comfortable with rapid change,” she said.

“Above all, be reliable; and yes – I have all the above mentioned qualities and I think that’s what makes me the perfect candidate to win.”

According to Mqwathi, being Mrs South Africa you need to understand that it’s not about yourself or the crown, but about the people you are serving.

“I would like to start an NPO that will be an empowerment hub that will develop and empower young women, especially in the rural areas where there are no or limited support systems for women.”

Her motto in life is to love your neighbour as you love yourself.

“I believe that you cannot give what you do not have, therefore if you have love, you can show it to the next person.”

Mqwathi’s dream is to be more involved with the Cancer Association of South Africa, to support and make a difference and bring hope, especially to people living with cancer.

She would also like to find a reliable sponsor for the NPO that she would like to start, which will help to supply the young girls with sanitary towels in the rural area schools and also to sponsor the foundation that will help to equip them so that they can do something with their lives once they finish school.

Mqwathi will compete in the semi-final weekend, to be held at Emperors Palace from April 23 to 27.

She will be scrutinised by an esteemed panel of judges, headed by Cindy Nell Roberts.

Only 25 lucky women will be selected to continue on the journey as a finalist for Mrs South Africa, and these will be announced at the Cansa Gala Dinner, in the Emperors Palace Centre Court, on April 24.

The dinner is a glittering event and a highlight on the social calendar.

All proceeds of this event will go to the pageant’s official charity, the Cancer Association of South Africa.

To vote for Mqwathi, SMS ”Babongile Mqwathi” to 35959.

SMSes cost R3 each and you can SMS as many times as you want.

You can also vote by liking her photo on the Mrs South Africa Facebook page. – @IschkeBoksburg