Westville resident aims to empower
Mariska Van Wyk de Vries has been chosen as a Mrs South Africa semi-finalist.
WESTVILLE’S own Mariska van Wyk de Vries hopes to build a community to teach woman how to physically defend themselves as well as become more independent.
Van Wyk de Vries is among the phenomenal women chosen as a Mrs South Africa semi-finalist.
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Following the announcement in Johannesburg on February 3, the semi-finalists took part in a jam-packed two-day conference filled with motivational talks, workshops, upskilling sessions, socialising and networking opportunities, and an introduction to the famous Mrs SA sisterhood.
The passionate semi-finalist said she once heard a quote that said: ‘Life is a series of thousands of little miracles. Notice them.’
“I have taken time to notice the fact that I have been chosen as a semi-finalist,” she said.
Van Wyk de Vries said she entered the pageant because she wanted a platform to be an amplified voice for other women and to assist other women to see their worth.
“There are tasks we naturally leave to the men in our lives, and yes, many of us are fortunate enough that we have some amazing men in our lives, but not every woman can say that. I want to show those women that they have the strength they need to rise out of any difficult situation.
“Defend her and she will be safe for a day, but teach her to defend herself, and she’ll be safe for a lifetime.”
Joani Johnson, CEO of Mrs SA, said, “We are blown away by the number of high-quality entries that we received this year, and we are deeply appreciative to have met so many wonderful women from all walks of life. The National Casting Day was exceptionally difficult as a substantial number of entrants have what it takes to make a success of this programme,” said Johnson.
She added that they look forward to going on this journey with Van Wyk de Vries and her fellow sisters.
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