Birchleigh’s Buyiswa is in top 100

By: Puleng Sekabate

Birchleigh North is home to the beautiful, sassy and classy Buyiswa Solani-Jevu (30), who was recently announced as a Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa semi-finalist 2018.

For Buyiswa, being one of the 100 semi-finalists is a huge step in the right direction.

“To be a semi-finalist out of the many entries the programme received is an honour on its own,” she said.

“I am among other beautiful and sophisticated married women from all over South Africa. Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa has gained the reputation of being a women-empowerment programme and prides itself on producing the very best in real, relatable and modern South African women. The programme celebrates marriage and the essence of being a real woman.”

The mother of one feels the competition gives married women, like her, the platform to realise their dreams and become the voices of change.

“The programme was created for married women who would ordinarily not have such a platform to compete and be ambassadors for South Africa on a global scale.”

Here are questions and answers that will help you know Buyiswa better:

• What makes you proudly South African?

“Our incredible landscapes and world heritage sites we have, our different beliefs and cultures. The fact that government subsidy housing (commonly known as RDP houses) is home to millions of people and unemployed mothers get child support grants to meet their children’s basic needs.”

• How many children do you have?

“I am a mother to my one and only baby girl, Imitha Jevu (2).”

• Why did you enter this pageant?

“Besides winning the overall competition, I hope to learn a lot from the different beautiful married women of South Africa, gain experience in public platforms and develop my independence as a married woman.

“I also want to learn more about contributing towards nation-building at large, via woman to woman mentorship programmes as a mother and again a married woman.

“Lastly, I want to inspire and help motivate others that it doesn’t matter where you are from and what scars you have, what is important is to always know that you have what it takes to be a success.”• What would winning Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa mean to you?

“Winning is not about defeating others. It is basically about overcoming your fears, stepping out of your comfort zone, learning from your previous mistakes and turning your dreams into reality.”

• What makes you happy?

“My family, seeing them happy makes me extremely happy. Being able to assist others where I can also makes me happy. I also get joy and happiness from travelling and exploring different places. Lastly, shopping, shopping and more shopping makes me happy.”

• What inspires you?

“My mother is my inspiration; she is the definition of imbokodo (strength). I am also inspired by people who achieve their goals and make progress in their lives because it gives me hope that one day I will also achieve my goals.”

• How would you like to be remembered?

“I want to be remembered as a loving, humble, kind and caring person. As a person who always tries her best in all she does and someone who is always willing to help.”

• How do you feel about being in the top 100?

“It feels amazing, it’s a dream come true though it’s not as easy as it looks. We have a lot of tasks to do, we have to meet our targets, we need sponsors and it’s not easy to get one.“Sometimes you just feel like locking yourself up in your room and crying but then again that’s what makes the journey even more interesting. That is what makes you pray and push harder and I am so fortunate that I have a very supportive husband who is always by my side.

“I am learning a lot from this journey. I have gained more confidence and it is indeed what we call a life-changing experience. I thank the pageant every day for giving me this opportunity and for making my dream come true.”• What do you do for a living?

“I am an admin support.”

• What are your hobbies?

“Travelling, cooking and hiking.”

Only 25 women will be selected and announced as finalists at a charity ball at Emperors Palace on June 29.

To help her secure a place in the top 25, SMS Buyiswa Jevu to 35959 or like the Mrs South Africa page on Facebook and like her picture in order for your vote to count.

“You can also access my Mrs SA Facebook page Buyiswa Jevu-Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa Semi Finalist on Facebook. Catch me on Instagram @buyiswasolani.”