Beyond Beauty: Meet the Mrs. South Africa 2025 Semi-Finalists
- Tumelo Bopape
- Apr 6
- 6 min read
The Journey to Crowning Mrs. South Africa 2025 Has Officially Begun
On January 31, the first National Casting for Mrs. South Africa 2025 took place at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria, setting the tone for what promises to be an extraordinary year. Public castings soon followed in Cape Town on February 8 and KwaZulu-Natal on February 9, culminating in the selection of 94 inspiring semi-finalists from communities across the country.
These exceptional women represent the vibrant tapestry of South African culture, each bringing with them a story of resilience, purpose, and empowerment. Among them, four standout semi-finalists open up about their journeys with Trendsetters Only Magazine.
Mrs. South Africa is far more than a beauty pageant. It is a powerful platform designed to uplift married women from all walks of life. Open to women aged 25 to 55, it embraces diversity in ethnicity, culture, ability, and belief. Through a transformative experience, participants gain tools in leadership, financial literacy, personal branding, and media management.
This ethos aligns with Trendsetters Only Magazine’s mission to spotlight the trailblazers shaping the future of business and culture across Africa and beyond.
Among the remarkable semi-finalists are Sanele Simmons, Wariinga Mhlanga, Verushka Singh, and Carika Bebb, each championing a story rooted in purpose, personal evolution, and style.
Sanele Simmons, founder of Beauty With Intention, has fused her love of fashion with a calling to celebrate holistic beauty. Through her nonprofit and her co-founded platform, Mall for Women, she empowers women to embrace individuality. “When a woman feels good in what she wears, she steps into the world with purpose and courage,” she affirms.
“My journey to Mrs. South Africa is deeply rooted in my passion for women's empowerment,” she shares. “Beauty With Intention reflects this mission by emphasizing inner and outer beauty because true confidence starts from within. Entering Mrs. South Africa allows me to merge my love for fashion with my purpose, showcasing how style is more than just appearance; it’s a statement of identity and empowerment.”
Her nonprofit work is complemented by her co-founded platform, Mall for Women, an online marketplace launched on National Women’s Day in 2020. “It provides a space where women can explore their style, supporting brands that celebrate diversity and individuality.” On March 8th, the platform hosted an International Women’s Day webinar under the theme Inspire Inclusion, emphasising fashion as a vehicle for voice and visibility.
Her personal style? “Sophisticated, bold, and intentional,” she explains. “I’ve been modeling since I was three, and my fashion foundation was built in the world of business and glam. While I’m only now beginning to explore African design more deeply, my aesthetic has always been about confidence and elegance, whether that’s through a structured blazer or a dramatic evening look.”
Sanele’s iconic look? A power suit with African-inspired detailing. It symbolises leadership and heritage, both strength and grace. Through my Silver Sponsor, Umnombo, I get to wear pieces that aren’t just beautiful but tell a story of craftsmanship, culture, and elegance. This journey feels especially profound as the Semi-Finalist Showcase is set for July 4th, her 40th birthday. “It’s a full-circle moment,” she says with pride. A celebration of how far I’ve come and a bold step into the next chapter of my life.
Wariinga Mhlanga turned her experience of overcoming TB into a mission to advocate for wellness, nutrition, and ethical fashion. Her style, grounded in structured elegance and inspired by earthy tones, reflects both her heritage and personal healing.
Wariinga's journey to Mrs. South Africa is deeply personal. After surviving tuberculosis, she became a fervent advocate for nutrition, wellness, and self-care. She understands firsthand the battle for health and the process of rebuilding strength. Through prioritizing nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being, she transformed her life, becoming stronger, more energized, and confident.
For Wariinga, fashion is an extension of empowerment. She believes that the way we dress reflects our self-perception, just as nourishing our bodies determines our energy and strength. Her style blends elegance, confidence, and culture, favoring structured yet feminine silhouettes in earthy tones that connect her to nature. Sustainable, ethical fashion choices are paramount to her, aligning with her values of health and wellness.
"Fashion is more than fabric; it’s power, confidence, and identity woven into every piece we wear," Wariinga asserts. She emphasizes that dressing with intention allows individuals to own their space and embrace their full power.
As a South African woman who cherishes her heritage, Wariinga integrates traditional patterns and luxurious textures with contemporary tailoring and global trends. This fusion honors her roots while fueling her dynamic spirit and resilience. Her iconic look is inspired by her birthplace, Mafefe, featuring a vibrant, flowing dress in traditional bridal colors—rich reds, deep purples, and golds—symbolizing love, strength, and wisdom. Adorned with intricate bead jewelry passed down through generations, this ensemble embodies her dedication to health, empowerment, and self-expression
“Fashion should be a celebration of who we are, not a mask, but a reflection of our truth,” she says.
Verushka Singh is redefining the intersection of sustainability, leadership, and feminine power. At 39, she is a mother, a chemical engineer, and a climate resilience specialist with over 14 years of experience in climate change consulting—her journey into Mrs. South Africa is deeply rooted in authenticity. “It’s about embracing all parts of who I am, not just the professional or the mother but the woman with a powerful story to tell,” she shares.
For Verushka, fashion is a deliberate form of energy expression and empowerment. Her style is best described as powerful, timeless, and intentional, anchored by power suits in vibrant colours like emerald green and cobalt blue. These hues aren’t just aesthetic; they are deeply symbolic, aligning with her chakras to ground her, enhance communication, and express compassion. “Every colour I wear is a reflection of the energy I want to bring into the world,” she says.
She’s passionate about conscious fashion, blending global trends with locally sourced, eco-friendly fabrics. “I love that my wardrobe tells a story of sustainability and strength,” she adds. “It’s my way of making a statement fashion can be a tool for change.”
At 43 years old and married for nearly four years, Carika Bebb brings authenticity, elegance, and a deep spiritual conviction to her journey. “Growing up, I struggled to understand my self-worth,” she reflects. “It took years and the word of God to truly believe that I was worthy. Only the truth was able to set me free.”
Carika entered Mrs. South Africa because of its alignment with her core values: empowerment, transformation, and purpose. “This platform empowers me to step into my God-given purpose. I want to be part of the ripple effect it's creating for women in our nation,” she shares. Her passion for building others up is rooted in faith and a desire to see women flourish.
With a keen eye for detail and presentation, Carika embraces fashion as both a creative outlet and a tool for confidence. “Dressing well is a form of good manners,” she says, quoting a favorite line. Whether attending judging days or charity events, she is always “photo ready,” curating outfits that reflect grace and poise.
Each woman’s wardrobe is a statement, deeply personal, intentionally curated, and rich with meaning.
Verushka’s emerald suits and chakra-inspired colour theory reflect a fusion of science and soul. Wariinga’s Mafefe heritage comes alive in vibrant hues of red, purple, and gold, symbols of love, wisdom, and inner strength. Sanele commands attention in tailored African-inspired suits, blending modernity with heritage.
Carika adds her own chapter of elegance, blending old-school glamour with modern trends. She collaborates closely with a local fashion designer for the semifinals, drawing inspiration from global icons like Elie Saab and Christian Dior. “Pinterest is my secret weapon. I create mood boards for each look,” she laughs. Her ultimate dream look? “A breathtaking evening gown, fit for a royal affair. My husband always jokes that I was meant to be a princess. I’d dress up every day if I could!”
For Carika, style is about more than trends. It’s about owning your space. “A woman who’s dressed up exudes confidence. She’s not afraid to be seen. I encourage women to permit themselves to shine and, if needed, get a friend or stylist to help. It's a beautiful investment into yourself.”
As Sanele, Wariinga, Verushka, and Carika continue their journey in Mrs. South Africa 2025, they represent more than themselves. They represent hope, faith, authenticity, and power. Through fashion, storytelling, and community upliftment, they are changing narratives and redefining what it means to be a modern South African woman. Their journeys are reminders that true beauty is not just seen it is felt. It lives in the confidence to walk boldly, the courage to be authentic, and the heart to inspire others to rise.
To vote and support the ladies' journey, see below and follow them on Instagram.
IG: sanelesimmons
IG: carikabebb
IG: verushka_c
IG: wariinga_mhlanga
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