A local resident, Jené Smit, one of the lucky women who made it to the top 16 in Mrs Mpumalanga 2018, has already started on her journey in philanthropy in the short time since being declared a pageant finalist.
Tomorrow, Smit will visit the elderly of Bob’s Old Age Home, where she will host an indoor picnic.
“I’m doing my utmost to truly make a difference in the life of the community. I have few projects of my own that I will do,” said Smit.
She said there is a small village in Barberton that she has adopted. “I have named it ‘Nakama’ – which means having a friend in someone. These children have nothing. I made it my mission, as part of my journey as a finalist, to contribute anything that I can to their lives. I have visited them twice and I am far from done. I gave them cookies, balloons and much love! We played together and I made a list of everyone who is in need of clothing and shoes. These kids are near to my heart,” added Smit.
She said she first entered a beauty pageant as a five-year-old.

Asked what prompted her to enter Mrs Mpumalanga, Smit said, “The team creates an incredible platform for self-development and is encouraging us to be the best version of ourselves. I cannot think of a better platform to change the lives of others, as I love people. All kinds of people – young and old – as long as I can offer love and acceptance in any possible way. I would do my utmost best to show everyone who meets me that they are worthy of my time, love and affection. We live in a broken world, and as a potential ambassador for Mrs Mpumalanga, I just want to show mercy to the weak and bring hope to the hopeless,” continued Smit.
She said being a finalist has inspired her so much. “I would be more than happy if I only came this far. Winning the title would be an incredible honour and is of course the ultimate goal. But I will endure in making a difference, with or without a crown. I want other young women to relate to me, knowing that I am far from perfect but willing to be the absolute best that I can be.
“I want them to start accepting themselves for who they are and to realise that exterior beauty without the depth of a kind soul is merely decoration. Our appearance does not determine who we are. That is why I learned to make peace with the scar on my face I got from bumping my head, because inner beauty has much more long-term value. I would like to achieve many wonderful things, of course, but helping people to love themselves would be at the very top of my list,” she added.
Smit, who was born in Bloemfontein, is happily married to a farmer. They have resided in Barberton for almost two years. “There is nothing like the natural surroundings of this beautiful place that refreshes our souls. We absolutely adore just about everything, especially the weather and fruit stalls. We do not have any children yet, but we both come from big families so we definitely want kids, since we know how family members can add tremendous value to your life.”
The announcement for the overall winner will be held in Mbombela on November 4 at a venue still to be announced.
If you want to see Smit crowned as Mrs Mpumalanga, vote for her by liking her page and picture on the main Mrs Mpumalanga Facebook page. You can also follow her on her Facebook page – Jené Smit – Mrs Mpumalanga Finalist.