Jacaranda FM presenter heads to Mrs South Africa semi-finals
Manani Botes, who hosts the Jacaranda FM's Regional Workzone weekdays from 12:00 to 16:00, has made it to the Mrs South Africa semi-finals.
After taking the leap, placing her name in the hat, and submitting her application to be part of the 2025 Mrs South Africa season, the long-awaited casting day finally arrived for Jacaranda FM's Manani Botes.
She was welcomed as a semi-finalist in the prestigious Mrs South Africa competition, powered by iME.
"Being a semi-finalist is a significant achievement that acknowledges my dedication and hard work. It also serves as a catalyst for future growth, opportunities, and impact," says Manani.
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The biggest draw for Manani is the pageant's promise of genuine empowerment, personal transformation, and the ability to make a lasting impact.
More than just a pageant, Mrs South Africa aims to equip women with hands-on leadership and communication skills.
Through public speaking workshops, brand-building sessions, and mentorship, participants discover their inner confidence and amplify their voices as forces for positive change.
"To use this experience to develop greater self-awareness, confidence, and emotional intelligence. To leverage the platform to make a positive difference in the lives of children and women, aligning with my advocacy," says Manani.
Pursuing a life of purpose
Every story is unique – ask any contestant, and you'll hear a different defining moment that brought them here.
Manani's decision to join the Mrs South Africa sisterhood was driven by a deep sense of purpose.
"I am a dedicated philanthropist driven by a passion to empower children and women," she explains. "Through my philanthropic efforts, I support initiatives and organisations that share my commitment to creating a more just and equitable society," she says.
"With a focus on making a meaningful difference, I am committed to inspiring positive change and improving the lives of those I serve. My philanthropic work is guided by a profound belief in the potential of every individual to thrive and reach their full potential."
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"I wanted to be part of a platform that celebrates women's empowerment, leadership, and community impact."
The road ahead for Mrs South Africa
The Mrs South Africa candidate list has steadily grown over the past few years, motivating the executive team to further extend their efforts to support the many women who want to participate but might find it difficult to do so.
Joani Jacob, CEO of Mrs South Africa, explains: "This year, we wanted to go the extra mile for the wonderful ladies who support us each year and bring the National Public Casting Day as close to them as possible. As such, we decided that Gauteng would be just the first of our live casting events before we take the show on the road to Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal."
Encouraging Manani and her fellow contestants to give their best and seize every opportunity the women’s empowerment programme offers, Jacobs says, "This is your year to step into your power – embrace your inner strength and let your voice be heard!"
"Thousands of women have walked this road before you, and you will never have to walk it alone," Jacobs adds.
"Your sisters, mentors, judges, and the Mrs South Africa executive team are here to build you up and help you achieve your best self. All you need to do is be open to the change that’s about to come."
Shortly after the casting events, semi-finalists participated in their first workshop weekend, where mentors and experts from a variety of fields coached them on public speaking and interview preparation, personal branding and social media use, networking and building relationships with sponsors, and participating in charity and community work.
Later in the year, contestants will take part in several charity events, upskilling sessions, professional photoshoots, and more, culminating in the grand finale in November.
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