LOCAL resident Heloise Gevers (26) has been announced as a Top 100 semi-finalist in the Mrs South Africa 2017 pageant.
She has been married for two years and hopes that this platform will empower her to reach her dream of empowering others.
“I love people, especially teenagers, and I want to inspire them to dream big. I live by the words, “Be the water that makes others blossom.” Last year I had a vision of being a thunderstorm after a drought, rather than just being a watering can,” says Gevers.
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By day Gevers is a mathematics and engineering graphics and design teacher at Benoni High School, and in her free time she volunteers as a counsellor at a centre in Kempton Park.
She is also busy with her Master’s degree in learner support, guidance and counselling at the University of Pretoria.
“My dream has never been to become Mrs South Africa, but rather to inspire and empower others. As a teacher and counsellor I deal with young women on a daily basis and have realised that our teenagers are in desperate need of good role models. This platform gives me an opportunity to inspire them to dream big dreams and stand up for what is right.”
Mrs South Africa is not a typical beauty pageant. It is about giving South Africa’s unsung superwomen – married women with careers, families and hobbies – a chance to get support and give input, and a platform to reach a new level of success and visibility on a global stage.
“I believe that if you want something done, ask a busy person. My diary is my everything. I cannot go a day without it.
“I try to prioritise and plan each day. At school I organise the debutantes and equestrian team. When I work, I work hard, and when I play, I play hard, which enables me to find time for my husband, family and hobbies,” says Gevers.
The 100 semi-finalists will go on to compete at Emperors Palace from April 26 to 28. The panel of judges will include Vusi Zwane (Emperors Palace Peermont Hotel corporate affairs and corporate social investment executive), Candice Abrahams (Mrs World 2016), Unaiza Moideen (businesswoman in the beauty industry) and principal judge Cindy Nell-Roberts (Businesswoman and former Miss South Africa).
Only 25 women will be selected to continue the journey as finalists for Mrs South Africa. They will be announced at the annual Cansa gala dinner on April 28 at Emperors Palace’s Centre Court.
Gever is very involved with charity work. She’s hosting a cancer awareness run at Benoni High School on April 8 in honour of all the teachers and students fighting cancer. All proceeds will go to the Cancer Association of South Africa.
After all the hard work, volunteering and charity work, Gever also enjoys painting, singing, exercising and playing guitar.
Follow Gevers’ journey on her Facebook page, Heloise Gevers Mrs South Africa Semi-Finalist, or vote for her by sending “Heloise Gevers” to 35959. SMSes charged at R3.
