The ninth annual crowning of Mrs Mpumalanga and Provincial Mpumalanga MS was hosted at the Botanical Garden Restaurant Mbombela on July 27. At this esteemed gala event, hosted by Jacques Lombard and his team, Zhané Botha from Marloth Park was crowned Mrs Mpumalanga 2024.

According to Botha, walking away as Mrs Mpumalanga felt so unreal.

“This would not have been possible if it was not for Jesus. I am beyond grateful for everyone who believed in me and supported me on my journey.”

During the awards event, the Botanical Garden Restaurant was transformed into a stately theatre and an entire stage set-up was put together in the week leading up to the Saturday. On the day before the event, the finalists had intensive interviews on their prepared business plans when the esteemed judges for this year, Willem Abraham (financial adviser), Lungani Mfeka (business coach), Billy Brown (pageant director, Mr Mpumalanga), Vivienne du Plessis (Go Brown Mobile Spray Tanning), Karen du Preez (Avroy Shlain Mpumalanga) and the beautiful Noelé Joubert (professional model and beauty queen), got to know the brains behind these beauties.

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The excitement was tangible when the finalists in both categories adorned the stage in mesmerising gowns made by local designer Lynmarie Griffioen, their faces hidden by dramatic masks to add to the anticipation. Showcasing their immaculate taste and fashionable grace, the finalists also appeared in casual wear and evening wear.

While the difficult task of finalising the scores was being undertaken, the master of ceremonies, Marcia Keen, informed the audience that the newly crowned queens would be travelling to towns like Ermelo, Komatipoort, Hazyview, Secunda, Middelburg and eMalahleni to promote Mrs Mpumalanga and Provincial Mpumalanga MS in search of finalists for 2025.

Lombard, the CEO of Mrs Mpumalanga, excitedly explained that 2025 will mark the 10th anniversary of this prestigious pageant and that the planning for this massive and exceptional production that will take place in Mbombela has already started.

The two categories for this pageant are for Mrs Mpumalanga for married women aged 21 to 51, and Provincial Mpumalanga MS, aged 24 and up for single, divorced or widowed ladies. There are three main titles – Mrs, Ambassador and Charity – in both categories, with a first runner-up. What sets this competition apart from so many others is that the aforementioned three main titles are equal to one another.

For Botha, winning Mrs Mpumalanga 2024 means the world to her. She said this is proof that hard work pays off and that one should never doubt your abilities. When asked about her plans, she said she wants to continue growing as a person.

“I want to push my boundaries and see what I am capable of. I aim to inspire people to become the best version of themselves. There are a lot of plans in store for our community, too. Follow my page, Mrs Mpumalanga 2024 – Zhané Botha, to see what’s coming, but definitely more outreaches to make a difference and assist where I can,” she said.

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Botha added that if she had to describe who she is, it would be an outgoing person who always goes above and beyond for those in her circle. “I am loving and caring and always look for the best in everyone.”

This 25-year-old who matriculated from Komatipoort Akademie is a financial adviser by trade and loves spending time outdoors and participating in sports activities.

Mrs Mpumalanga 2024 results:
• Mrs Mpumalanga: Zhané Botha
• Mrs Mpumalanga Ambassador: Adelaide Shabangu
• Mrs Mpumalanga Charity: Zandile Mpholo
• First runner-up: Anicia Mabuza.

Provincial Mpumalanga MS 2024
• Provincial Mpumalanga MS: Diana Roux
• Provincial Mpumalanga MS Ambassador: Finah Madihlaba
• Provincial Mpumalanga MS Charity: Portia Khumalo
• First runner-up: Zonika de Kooker.

Social media (chosen by the public on Facebook):
• Mrs Mpumalanga Social Media: Siphokazi Mogale
• Provincial Mpumalanga MS Social Media: Finah Madihlaba.