uMHLANGA’S Eloise Briggeman is a finalist in the 2022 Mrs South Africa pageant. She recently returned from Johannesburg where the top 30 finalists were chosen at an event held at Emperor’s Palace.

The main event takes place on November 11, also at Emperor’s Palace, where Mrs South Africa will be chosen and crowned. Briggeman is hoping it will be her ‘bringing home the crown’.

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She sat down with Northglen News journalist, Candyce Krishna, to chat about what her journey with the pageant has been like so far.

Describe the moment and how you felt when you were named a finalist.
I was absolutely overjoyed! I got up from my seat to walk to the stage with the biggest smile I could possibly have on my face.

What was the event like?
Spectacular, to say the least, and very professional. The event was also live-streamed so my friends could watch us from around the world. It was definitely a night to remember.

What sort of bond and relationships have you formed with the other finalists?
I can honestly say that, from the beginning, we are told about the Mrs SA sisterhood, and unless you are walking this journey, I don’t think you completely understand what that is. The women I have bonded with feel like sisters, not friends. The love and support we give each other is truly remarkable.

What has the entire journey been like from entering to now being a finalist?
I have loved every minute of this journey and would highly recommend it to any married woman. It is a journey of growth, one of stepping out of your comfort zone and making that your norm. It stretches you, yet you become this better version of yourself. Now, being a finalist, I feel confident with what I have learnt and will be applying it in the next couple of months towards the November crowning.

Being a finalist means getting involved in charity projects. What are some of the projects you have lined up?
I have been running my own NPO, The Wellness Centre Trust, for over eight years, so that does not stop. However, in the next few months, all the finalists will be hosting a charity event and supporting the official Mrs South Africa charities, which are the Southern Africa Animal Cancer Association and CANSA – the Cancer Association of South Africa.

Are there any other projects you’ll be involved in?
The NPO is involved in rebuilding and fixing homes that have been destroyed in the recent KZN floods.

What were some of the categories that the event was made up of?
In order to become a finalist, the semi-judging was based on an interview and swimwear judging in front of the prestigious selection committee. The swimwear allowed us to feel liberated and show how we have all grown in confidence. The pillars of the Mrs South Africa pageant are self-development, community work, networking and the Mrs SA platform. I feel that the overall points will show how you have grown in the areas of the pillars that Mrs SA stands on.

How can the community support you in this journey?
They can vote for me by SMSing: Eloise Briggeman to 47587. They can also follow
me on Instagram
@eloisebriggeman and Facebook : Eloise Briggeman Mrs SA Finalist 2022.
I would really appreciate all the support from our local community as I am on this journey to grow my influence to make positive changes for the poor communities around us, specifically for women and the next generation.