Queens With Purpose South Africa honoured remarkable women for their resilience and impact

Women from across the region gathered in Kempton Park recently for the Queens With Purpose awards ceremony, celebrating community achievements and personal growth.

The event combined the awards ceremony with the crowning of queens in the Queens With Purpose pageant, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to recognising women for more than beauty and titles.

Founded by Thembi Maesela from Liefde en Vrede, Queens With Purpose continues to provide a platform for women whose journeys reflect courage, personal growth, leadership and service to others.

The ceremony took place at The Fortress Venue in Kempton Park under the theme “Gold and Black: Coming Back, Becoming, Finding Your Voice, Standing Your Ground and Bossing Up”. The theme reflected the journeys of women who have faced challenges, rediscovered their strength and continued working towards becoming the best versions of themselves.

A vision beyond the crown

For founder Maesela, the initiative is about creating opportunities for women to be seen, heard and celebrated for who they are and the difference they make in the lives of others.

“Queens With Purpose is about more than a crown. It is about recognising the woman, her journey, her struggles and her victories. Every woman has a story that deserves to be celebrated, and we want to create a space where women can find their voices, stand in their purpose and inspire others,” said Maesela.

The awards recognised women making a difference in various areas of life, including community development, wellness, professional careers and personal transformation.

Honouring women of purpose

Nontombi Zondo was nominated for the Champion of Inclusion Award, which recognises a woman whose advocacy, compassion and leadership amplify the voices of people with disabilities.

Victoria Phoku was nominated for the Community Heroine Award, celebrating her dedication to serving others and strengthening her community through meaningful acts of service.

Lebogang Bulunga was nominated for the Wellness Warrior Award in recognition of how she has turned her wellness journey into a source of strength and inspiration for other women.

Matildah Letsoalo received a nomination for the Purpose Beyond Profession Award, which honours a woman whose contribution to society extends beyond her career or professional title.

Constance Shingwenyana was nominated for the Legacy in Motion Award. Her journey through loss and healing, together with her commitment to running and healthy living, continues to inspire others through her courage, strength and hope.

Dipuo Christina Masendi was nominated for the Mother of Many Award, recognising her selflessness and commitment to helping others achieve their goals and build better futures.

Nomveliso Hlutha-Booi was nominated for the Queen of Renewal Award, which celebrates a woman who has overcome challenges, rediscovered herself and rebuilt her confidence to become an inspiration to others.

Crowning queens with purpose

The event also featured the crowning of the Queens With Purpose pageant queens, bringing recognition and celebration together in one occasion.

The crowning highlighted the importance of confidence, purpose, personal development and the responsibility that comes with being a role model.

Meg Harvey will represent Mrs Universe SADC, taking the opportunity to represent the region on a platform that celebrates women and their achievements.

Charlotte Semenya was crowned Queens With Purpose South Africa, representing the organisation and its commitment to empowering women, promoting leadership and inspiring positive change.

Motlalepula Mabaso will represent Mrs Grand, carrying forward the values of confidence, purpose and women’s empowerment.

The crowning reflected the organisation’s belief that a crown represents more than beauty. It also carries a responsibility to lead, inspire others and use one’s platform to make a meaningful difference.

A special tribute

Maesela made the occasion especially meaningful by honouring her mother, Grace Qinebe, in a heartfelt surprise tribute.

Explaining the reason behind the gesture, Maesela said she wanted to give her mother a special moment of recognition because she had never received an award before.

“I wanted to make my mother feel special because she was never awarded anything, and it was a surprise for her. Before I was a leader, I was a daughter,” said Maesela.

The tribute was a reminder that behind every woman who leads and inspires others is often a personal story. By honouring her mother, Maesela highlighted the importance of recognising the women who have shaped lives long before their contributions are acknowledged publicly.

Through its awards and pageant, Queens With Purpose continues to promote empowerment and purpose, encouraging women to embrace their journeys and use their experiences to inspire positive change.