Candice shines as a beacon of hope

TO shine a light on the causes that matter. This is the drive behind Mrs Universe- Africa hopeful, Candice Underhill.

Eager to outgrow her comfort zone and make a positive impact, the mother of four recently ventured into the world of pageantry and has found the experience both enjoyable but also overwhelming.

“It has been unfolding at a very rapid pace. If you knew me just a few short months ago you would know that I would never have had the confidence to do this so it is all still very new to me. There are quick deadlines and I’m facing tasks that I’ve never faced before but it is all part of the experience and I am learning every day. I’m blessed in that I have a really good network of friends and family that are hugely supportive of me so that helps a lot.”

She explained that although the Mrs Universe- Africa pageant is still in its beginning stages, contestants are required to do a lot of networking to get their names out there so that people know who they are.

“It’s been pretty fantastic and nerve-wracking but I wouldn’t change a thing about it. It is challenging and I am loving that I have to stretch myself, leave comfort zones and do new things. “In the short time that I’ve been a part of this pageant, I have already been stretching myself as a person and doing things that I would never otherwise have been doing. I have had to learn to speak to businesses and express my plan in the competition to encourage sponsorships and partnerships. I’ve become acutely aware of the need in our country. There are so many who are in need. The task seems huge but I believe that God places us strategically to be effective in certain seasons and I believe that this competition is His doing and so I will work my hardest to use the opportunity to effect change while I have it,” said the semi-finalist.

Although she currently resides in Johannesburg, Candice, 38, born and bred in Wentworth hopes that through this new platform she will also be able to one day give back to the community that helped shape the woman she is today.

“Growing up in Wentworth was amazing, my family and friends helped make me who I am today. As a community, we’ve always been close. I remember how the mothers in our neighbours would never hesitate to let you know they were watching what we were up to. They were never lazy to correct us when they saw us being naughty as children,” said Candice who shared that it breaks her heart to hear of some of the bad things that happen in the community today.

“The gang violence and drug problems are affecting everyone who lives there. Wentworth has some of the most beautiful, talented people in South Africa but the current circumstances are not conducive to that talent being realised. I have big dreams for Wentworth, God willing I can partner with the right people and businesses and make those dreams a reality.”

She has partnered with Epworth Children’s Home and intends to work with more charities in the future. “I have a huge interest in mental wellness so my focus will most likely be in that area moving forward. I have learned quite a bit already being in this competition but the one thing that will stick with me is that you must be able to ask people for help. By supporting me, my fans and others are making a difference in the lives of the causes that I support now and will be supporting in the future.”

She appeals to the public to support her on this journey by following her on her social media platforms.

Visit the Mrs Universe- Africa Facebook page as well as her personal page, Candice Lorelle Underhill for more details.