Women’s advocate and founder of the Girl I Need U (GINU) foundation, Ntibi Papa, has embarked on a new and exciting adventure.

She is one of the semi-finalists in the Mrs Universe Africa competition and explained that she decided to enter because she believed that this competition would be a platform that allows her to reach more people.

I want to give broken women the power to take back their lives.”

Ntibi started the GINU foundation in 2016, which is a restoration foundation for women. Once a month there is a meeting for women where they discuss the problems they faced. Ntibi also invites prominent people to give motivational talks to the women.

“We encourage women to share their stories and help others heal.”

She also runs a mentoring programme for young school girls, and said that in recent years she had noticed the need to mentor boys as well. This is something she wants to focus on this year.

“That way we will have a balanced society.”

She is very excited about the competition as this is her first-ever beauty pageant.

I have never imagined myself on stage.”

The only part that she is anxious about is the swimsuit modelling, but added, “But I will rock this”.

Entering this competition definitely has pushed her out of her comfort zone and she had to do research. She said taking part has instilled discipline in her, especially with the image she portrays on social media and the way she communicates with people.

Each semi-finalist has to raise R20 000 which will be used for the charities that are supported by the Mrs Universe Africa pageant. She said she is busy appealing to businesses to assist her in reaching her dream.

Next she will be invited to an interview which will determine whether she has made it to the finals, and the crowning will be in May. If you would like to assist with fundraising you can contact Ntibi on 084 230 7528. There are two ways you can vote for her as well.

Voting method 1:

• Go to the Money Market counter in-store at Pick n Pay and Boxer stores

• Select contestant No 41

• Choose your bundle (R5, R10, R50 or R100)

• The cashier will cast your votes on the Web Tickets system

• You will receive a voting receipt

Voting method 2:

• Go to Web Tickets online at https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1510479887

• Search for Mrs Universe Africa Vote

• Select bundle amount (R5, R10, R50 or R100)

• Select contestant No 41

• Pay using a credit or debit card

• You will receive a voting receipt