Mrs Mpumalanga 2019

MMPrsUMALANGA
3RD EDITION
NOV 2018

TSHEPISO PHOSA
MilviForce

Be the difference
you want to see

Romantic
Breakaways
in the Lowveld

It’s not goodbye,
It’s hello to the future

Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019 | 1

2 | Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019

CONTENTS

4 LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

5 MRS MPUMALANGA 2019 FINALISTS

6 MASH MOKGATLE - MY JOURNEY AS MRS MPUMALANGA 2018

8 REFLECT ON MRS MPUMALANGA 2018 GALA EVENT

10 MRS MPUMALANGA 2019 SELECTION PROCESS

11 ABOUT MRS MPUMALANGA

12 JUDGING CRITERIA AND PROCESS FOR MRS MPUMALANGA

14 TSHEPISO PHOSA MILVIFORCE

16 CONGRATULATIONS TO LUCIA OCHAN

17 THE STORY OF DANA THOMPSON ELITE GOLD CLUB PAM GOLDING WHITE RIVER OFFICE

18 PHOTO SHOOT AT A-LOUNGE WITH PHOTOGRAHPER LEGRANCE ODENDAAL

20 RISE FM AWARDED @ MPUMALANGA SUNSHINE MEDIA AWARDS

21 MOVING MOUNTAINS

22 TIMELESS CREATIONS

24 DOWNLOAD THE LOWVELD LIVE APP TO ADVERTISE AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS.

25 PRO GRATIA DANCE CLASSES

27 ZANE JANSE VAN RENSBURG CO-PRODUCER OF MRS MPUMALANGA GALA EVENT.

28 EULANDER NANNI STILL MAKING THE MARK... THE NANNI WAY

30 LEANCHE KLEYN MRS MPUMALANGA 2ND RUNNER UP 2018

32 WHY CONSIDER GEOCACHING FOR YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP

36 TEN SCENIC DRIVES IN KRUGER LOWVELD

39 A LOUNGE -EVERYTHING BUT ORDINARY

40 ROMANTIC BREAKAWAYS

54 THE STORY OF MRS MPUMALANGA FINALIST 2018 RENE JORDT

58 POP EPOCH MMPrsUMALANGA3RD ENDOIVTI2O01N8
59 MARCIA KEEN
60 FINANCIAL RISK PLANNING

MMPrsUMALANGA Director: Jaques TSHEBPyeoItSuhMOewdiPalivHnffietFOrtoeoSrncAsceeee
Magazine Layout & Design: Oshiang Printers
www.mrsmpumalanga.co.za inBthrReeaoLkmoawawnvateiyclsd
email: [email protected]
Follow us on Facebook: IItt’’ssnhoetllgootoodtbhyee,future
Mrs Mpumalanga
COVER Page picture by:
Jene Smit from Jene Sais Quio Photography
Cell number 0606071080

Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019 | 3

Letter from the Director
Jacques Lombard

With a fast growing brand like Mrs Mpumalanga We are still one of the biggest marketing platforms for any
you have to hold the reigns very tight. What an business in the province with now almost 11 000 followers
extremely successful but difficult year it was for on FaceBook on our main page, that doesn’t include the
Mrs Mpumalanga brand. combined total of followers on myself and all the finalists
involved. So if you ever were wondering WHY sponsoring
I think the biggest misconception is still the fact that many and get involved this is only ONE of the reasons why.
people see Mrs Mpumalanga as a beauty pageant and how
many times do we have to explain that we are looking for One of the other questions very prominent this year was,
a matured mentor to act as ambassador for our beautiful what does the Mrs Mpumalanga win? First of all we are
province. We are dealing with business people, we are taking somebody from our province and we GIVE them a
hosting tourist and most important we are promoting our marketing platform, I might add to advertise yourself or
province and of course the diverse cultures of the land establish you as a brand is going to cost you a lot of money,
where the sun rises, Mpumalanga. planning and working years with professional people, with
Mrs Mpumalanga it all happen almost instantly. Since
We have to thank our previous Mrs Mpumalanga’s the first you put on your finalists sash, people all of a sudden take
Diana Jansen from Middelburg and then Bianca Rennison notice. Our prizes involve products and services everyday
from Sabie for the excellent foundation they have laid down women use from day to day. Prizes like the one from BEST
for the brand. Our current Mrs Mpumalanga Mash Mokgatle DRIVE, credit amount to take you vehicle for new tyres,
have used this platform as an airstrip to take the Mrs fitment and balancing, nails, hair, make-up, dresses,
Mpumalanga into flight and reached new heights. Yes for holidays, sponsoring massages etc…..
those who did not know, we are now running for the fourth
year and just look what we have achieved. We give you the platform and assistance to start or promote
your business, reach for your dreams and realize you are so
Of course we had the critics trying to bring paint a negative much more than a mother, a wife, a friend and a daughter,
picture BUT it is so obvious the difference Mrs Mpumalanga YOU are still YOU. You owe it to yourself to be noticed, to be
is making in our province and communities. We were heard and in the process you are changing lives, opening
involved in so many different projects this year, Child doors not only for yourself but for others. Ladies and gents
Welfare, Child trafficking awareness, CANSA, supporting what you actually win in Mrs Mpumalanga is so much more
schools and people with disabilities, sports, education and than a car. So stop with the silly question and realize, Mrs
the list goes on and on and on….. Mpumalanga is actually so much more than this.

Why not choose ONE project many ask, one organization? Mash have left BIG shoes to fill but I am sure we will
Why should we if we have to power to assist where ever have chosen the best person to take over and we as Mrs
we can. We do not have a main cash sponsor to answer to, Mpumalanga Management Team will be there for full
what we do we do and achieve with the funds the brand support. Last but not least, thank you once again to each
and the finalists raise every year. Mash decided to focus and every sponsor, follower, friend and community member
on her hometown Bushbuckridge and an orphanage called believing in our brand and what we stand for and always
Monicas House of Hope and please read the difference we remember, WE ARE GOING NOWHERE WE ARE JUST
made in so many young lives. We have created a home, a GOING TO GROW FROM STRENGHT TO STRENGH.
place they can call home and be safe.
Jacques Lombard

4 | Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019

MMPrsUMALANGA
2019

Elna Schoeman Morongwa Dlamini Zaza Letsholo

Kgaugelo Ntini Poppy Ramodibe Estie Strydom

Hilary van der Berg Bongi Shaba Victoria Shongwe
Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019 | 5

My journey as
Mrs Mpumalanga 2018

When I was crowned Mrs Mpumalanga 2018 on the and corporate events such as the State Of the Province
4th of November 2017 my dream unfolded into a Address (SOPA), departmental budget speeches, business
beautiful reality. Having campaigned and competed breakfasts, award ceremonies, fundraisers, launches, other
with 13 other competent finalists had prepared me well for local pageants such as the crowning of miss Mpumalanga,
the physically, emotionally and psychologically demanding women empowerment activities, youth empowerment
journey that was ahead of me. I prayed and invited God to activities and more. I also took the initiative to visit TVET
remain with me as I boldly took the first step into a whole Colleges located in different districts around the province
new world that would ultimately transform my life.  and encouraged students to take responsibility for their
lives, focus on discovering their talents, improving their
I began my journey by introducing myself as the new title skills and position themselves as competent future
holder to all media stakeholders around the Mpumalanga leaders and economy role players. I encouraged them to
Province. Together with a dedicated PR team we toured the have an entrepreneurial mindset and spend time thinking
north, east, west and south corridors of the entire province creatively and coming up with profitable solutions for the
meeting with radio and print media personalities and social challenges which they face. This series of events
introducing the Mrs Mpumalanga brand to them through provided me with a unique opportunity of engaging with my
a series of exciting interviews. The warm welcoming community, networking, being charitable with my time and
response we received from the media sector was very actively participating in being part of the change I wish to
encouraging for the journey ahead. Soon after this PR road see in my community.
trip I started attending key provincial government, social

6 | Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019

It was in the middle of my journey that my family and I joined open a make-up franchise, MUD Studio Mbombela, at
Holy Ghost Fire House Ministries under the leadership of Ilanga Mall. It was an overwhelming experience to strike a
Bishop Alex Mwami and Reverand Monica Mwami. Shortly balance between my title as Mrs Mpumalanga, being a wife,
after joining the church I took a decision to focus on a mom and adding more to my business responsibilities.
those closest to me within Mbombela and Bushbuckridge Subsequent to this, I was also appointed as the Marketing
and find opportunities that would enable me to make a Consultant for the Supply Chain Management Institute of
real, tangible and sustainable difference within my own SA and gained an opportunity of traveling to Beijing, China,
immediate community. I began to remind myself that for a week’s Global Network Roundtable with Supply Chain
though I wish for the Mrs Mpumalanga brand to have an practitioners affiliated to the International Trade Center
impact throughout the entire province, ultimately, charity which is supported by the World Trade Organisation and the
begins at home. I immediately became actively involved United Nations. I met with academy owners and trainers
with church programmes related to women and youth from countries such as Maldeves, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,
upliftment. I joined the events department and participated Columbia, Phillipines, Geneva, Beijing and more. I was
in organising youth camps, women seminars and other one of the only 2 delegates representing South Africa and I
church fundraising activities.  represented my province proudly with my Mrs Mpumalanga
sash. I was also elected as a a treasurer of the Penryn
I also took the initiative of adopting Reverand Monica’s Parents Association and an Alumni Council Member for the
House of Hope located in Bushbuckridge, where I was Penryn Council.
born. During a lengthy interview with Reverand Monica
Mwami, I discovered that together with her husband, Bishop This has been a journey of a lifetime. Every situation
Alex Mwami, they had established an orphanage in the presented me with new opportunities for growth. I have
community of Bushbuckridge, funding it out of their own grown spiritually, emotionally and psychologically. The
pockets since 2010 without much financial support from the most significant reward from my journey is that I have
community and other stakeholders. Though alot of great established a network of stakeholders and associates who
work and effort had previously gone into the establishment will be instrumental towards my personal growth and future
and existence of the building, it needed some more love and business undertakings. I can confidently say that I now
more giving hearts to renew it, refurbish it and conclude know my true supporters and I’m eternally grateful to all of
it as a safe, attractive and healthy environment for the them for their consistent belief in me. I’m eternally grateful
children. In partnership with Swift Group, we embarked for this opportunity that I was given to make an impact in
on a project to mobilise sponsors to assist us in renewing my community. I believe I ran and completed my race with
Monica’s House of Hope. Part of the purpose was also to dignity. 
create awareness for the orphanage and encourage locals
to support the orphanage on an ongoing basis, as translated My wish for the Mrs Mpumalanga brand is for the brand to
in the orphanage slogan which states, “it takes a village to gain a Provincial Tourism Ambassadorship title that can
raise a child.” This project was ongoing till its completion at empower the future winners with an active role in promoting
the very end of my journey. our province as the best tourism destination. My other wish
is for the relationships established between government,
My other charity activities included participating in public corporate and media stakeholders to grow from strength to
activations, such as the Child Trafficking awareness strength and my final wish is for the people of Mpumalanga
activation held at the Lebombo Mozambican boarder to unite irregardless of race, gender or background and
gate, by Childwelfare Mpumalanga Provincial Office support one another to achieve excellence across all
in collaboration with the Hawks and myself as the sectors. We can only become better through unity and
Ambassador. I also attended fundraising activities by excellence in all that we do.
CANSA, charity functions hosted by the Mrs Mpumalanga
2018 title holders as well as charity functions hosted by the I would like to thank my husband and daughter for sharing
Mrs Mpumalanga 2019 Finalists. me with the community during this time and supporting me
in every way they could. I love them both very much and look
During my journey I was also afforded an opportunity to forward to an even more exciting future with them. They are
the centre of my ever evolving world.

It’s not goodbye, it’s hello to the future.

Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019 | 7

Reflect on Mrs Mpumalanga 2018

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Gala event

Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019 | 9

Mrs Mpumalanga 2019
Selection Process

Interviews: Entrants will go through interview process
before qualifying for Finalist, not all entries are invited
for interviews and not all interviews qualify as finalist.
Important Areas we are going to look at
• Photo Shoots
• Interaction with other finalists, sponsors and when

in public with followers/fans and community
• Social Media and self-marketing
• Community involvement
• Media Coverage
• Building and promoting brand Mrs Mpumalanga

and personal brand/or business
• Punctuality

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About
Mrs Mpumalanga

The Mrs Mpumalanga pageant was
hosted for the first time in 2015,
organised and driven by the Timeless
Group. Hoping to attract hundreds of women
from across the province of Mpumalanga, the
Mrs Mpumalanga Pageant aims to support the
ideals and attributes of today’s married woman
– a woman who has inner beauty, outer beauty
and a beauty she takes out into her everyday
life as a wife that is smart, sensual and sassy!
Every aspect of the pageant supports the ideals
and attributes of today’s woman – a woman
who has her own goals and views of her role
within society. The idea that a “Beauty Queen”
is just for show and only judged on her exterior
beauty is certainly not relevant in the search
for our ambassador. We always refer to the
“full package” which includes among other
attributes, the inner strength and maturity to
take on the role and ability to be able to interact
with people on all levels and social standing.
A key focus of the pageant is to empower
women from the moment they are chosen as
finalists to the possibility of eventually being
crowned the winner.
Our vision as Mrs Mpumalanga management
team is to provide each and every finalist with
an opportunity to discover their best selves and
live to their full potential, so that they can also
inspire other women in Mpumalanga. To start
this ripple effect we need the support of the
community in various aspects.

Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019 | 11

Judging panel 2017: Left to right: Lungani Mfeka, Laverne Assante, Sanjay Singh, Melody Naidoo, Gert Moster, Liezel Visser

Judging Criteria and Process for Mrs Mpumalanga

You will be judge on the following aspects and categories: • Poise / Grace
• Personality
• Meeting the minimum R 10 000 payment requirement • Demeanor
over period of 4 months. Any payments more than the • Eye Contact
original R 10 000 will automatically let you qualify for • Age Appropriate behavior , Dress or outfit selection
the Mrs Mpumalanga Charity Title. The Charity Title • Well Spoken, Answering of questions and Articulation
will also receive prizes, Sash and Crown. Will be invited • Overall Look
to functions and part of Mrs Mpumalanga Management • Positive energy
team for 2019
Interview scoring will be very important and please take
• Selling of Tickets for the Gala event note:
• Interview - Business Plan, Building the brand Mrs
Interview Guidelines
Mpumalanga, Community involvement for next 12
months, projects and how would you promote and • Interviews will be conducted “panel style”
advertise sponsors. Interview outfit very important ( • Might not be same judges as first interview
Office Wear) • As previously stated, the interview will focus primarily
• Photo Shoots – Overall behavior towards sponsors,
sponsored products, clothes and punctuality on the finalists business plan for 2019
• Social Media and Media – posts, creative initiatives, • Judges will approach interview same as an employer
building brand both Mrs Mpumalanga and personal,
advertising of sponsors interviewing a job applicant.
• Community involvement – Projects involved in and • The finalists are applying for a job of provincial
plans for 2019
• Opening scene dress specially designed for finalist ambassador for our company, pageant sponsors, and
(Sponsored) most importantly, modern women in South Africa.
• White Dress by Bride & Co (Sponsored) • Conversational skills very important
• Evening Wear ( Also the garment you will be crowned • Must be able to express yourself clearly, diplomatically,
in) Own Choice and must project a pleasant personality at all times.
• Top 5 Answering of question on stage • The winner must be confident and comfortable
communicating with people from all social-economic,
Each Aspect or Categories will be divided into all/some of and cultural backgrounds
the following criteria:

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Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019 | 13

Tshepiso Phosa

MilviForce

14 | Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019

Be the difference you want to see

“Be the difference you want to see”. This is the motto that well as Humanitarian Award. As humanitarian she drives
Tshepiso Phosa lives by as a 27 year old entrepreneur, various projects with orphanages and feeding schemes for
business owner, humanitarian, mentor and life coach. children and the less privileged, as well as involvement with
teenagers as a mentor through substance abuse initiatives,
Tshepiso - meaning The Promise of God - is the owner pad drives for young girls and uplifting communities with
and CEO of Milviforce with six years experience under her sewing, design and fashion initiatives to eventually also
belt in the petroleum industry and 2019 will see wholesale assist with job creation for women in underprivileged areas
fuel planned throughout Mpumalanga under her Milviforce in Mpumalanga.
brand.
Fuelled by passion, she believes so strongly that every child
Further, in the business sector. Tshepiso, over and above in South Africa deserves to be educated and protected.
serving on Mathews Phosa & Associates (MPA) as an She walks her talk with her involvement and dedication
administrative director
where she is responsible to her community and in
for four portfolios of MPA, the various industries she
is also an active board touches via business such
member of Mobigo, a as technology, forestry,
company specialising property and petroleum.
in top end technological
training material and Being predominantly
facilities, including active in a very male
virtual and augmented dominated environment,
reality programs used Tshepiso is passionate
for training in various about women and has been
industries like mining, actively involved in Mrs
agriculture, forestry and Mpumalanga where she
hospitality sectors. Within supports the finalists along
the hospitality industry with Jacques Lombard
Tshepiso is a director of with various CSR programs
Lowveld Coffee Distribution and sponsorships. She
where the company feels it is vital for women
distributes and finances to support each other
coffee machines in addition and defines beauty as
to coffee beans. The coming a category that not only
year will also see the first encompasses how you look
distribution of Litchis under to others, but the beauty
the direction of Tshepiso for inside each individual. She
the Phosa farm just outside also supports these ladies
White River. with business direction
as beautiful women
Tshepiso has joined forces are entitled to be good
with Leadership 2020 business women too.
where her partnership
includes hosting Sunday This year she collaborated
Circles in Mpumalanga, with the Mrs Mpumalanga
working closely with DJ finalists while judging
Sbu and Nick Regisford each one on the following
to ensure success of this criteria in order for one of
initiative in the province. the lucky contestants to be
She will also, under the guidance of this group, write her awarded the CSR prize:
first book to be launched early 2019.
Effort to put together an event
Miss Phosa has been appointed as the first female in history
as executive board director of ICollege Pumas. As such she • Success of event
will form part of the committee to take the Mpumalanga • Impact on the community and sustainability
rugby team forward. In addition she is also one of the main • Media exposure
sponsors of the actual rugby players, her way of giving back • Collaborations with other companies
into the sporting arena. She and Milviforce have in the past • Leadership and influence
been the main sponsor for Puma kids and fuel sponsor for • Photographs
the iCollege Pumas. • Social media sharing and exposure

In August 2018 Tshepiso participated in the Sunrise Please follow Tshepiso Phosa on Facebook and Instagram
Womens Awards and was the proud recipient of 2 awards, to be part of her journey with regular posts on both
namely Winner Medium Business Entrepreneur Award as Business and her Corporate Social Responsibility drives.

Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019 | 15

Congratulations to

Lucia Ochan

We just want to congratulate our Mrs Mpumalanga
2nd Princess 2017 for being chosen as a finalists
for MRS Africa. Good Luck Lucia on your journey
and remember Mpumalanga is rooting for you. The
crowning will be on 1 December 2018.

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The Story of Dana Thompson
Elite Gold Club
Pam Golding White River Office

Dana is a dynamic business woman, she joined her proudest achievements. During her 11 years with
Pam Golding Properties in 2007 and never this company she have not only received provincial
looked back. awards but even some on national level.

She is part of the Elite Gold Club Agents from the After 5 consecutive years being a Gold Club Agent she
Pam Golding White River offices. Dana attribute received the prestigious title of Elite Gold Club. This
her remarkable success to hard work, tenacity and is awarded to agents who exceeds their number of
a positive attitude to finding solutions and solving sales, the ability to lead the industry in sustained top-
problems. She also confirmed that team work and action behaviour and ethics, in line with company’s
in house training have been valuable to her career. principles of ethical behaviour and dedication to
Their team spirit is empowering and ensures that service excellence. She was agent of the year 2009/10
each member, both in the group and as individuals, and 2017/18.
can always do more and constantly seeks ways to add
value to service, market intelligence and expertise. She is dedicated to her work, love to assist clients
finding their dream houses or just assist them with
Coming from Romania, Eastern Europe she has a advise where needed.
disarming, natural, friendly and honest manner that
her clients enjoy. Being part of Pam Golding is one of

Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019 | 17

PHOTO SHOOT

at A-Lounge

with photograhper LeGrance Odendaal

18 | Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019

Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019 | 19

RISE fm awarded
@ Mpumalanga Sunshine
Media Awards

All roads led to AGS Communio Mbombela for the • Best Midday Show – JT
annual Mpumalanga Sunshine Media Awards. The • Best Drive Show – Thebigzill
awards are designed to honor everyone from Radio, • Best Current Affairs Show – RISE in Sixty Minutes with
print media and Music for their excellence in the media
industry specifically in Mpumalanga for now. Zingisa Chirwa
• Best Newsreader – Lebo
We are pleased to announce that RISE fm scooped a total • Best Weekend Show – Sibo
of 10 awards from the Commercial & Public Broadcaster • King of Radio – Cheese
categories. • Queen of Radio – Mpumi

RISE fm received the following awards; Thank you to Mpumalanga Sunshine Media Awards and
congratulations to the team.
• Best Radio Station – RISE fm
• Best Breakfast Show – Cheese & Mpumi Ø RISE fm is the SOLE commercial (and/or public
• Best Mid Mornings Show – Mizz K broadcast service) radio media partner for the gala
event and crowning of Mrs Mpumalanga 2019.

BEING A HOLISTIC MINDED STYLIST BEHIND THE CHAIR

Juanitte Pieterse

At Head Spa Hair Studio we are pioneering a new Holistic-
minded Approach to Beauty, Wellness and Business behind
the chair - Being Holistic-minded not only aligns with my
personal beliefs, but the most beneficial for me, my staff
and my clients by being holistic, biodynamic, cruelty free,
recyclable and most of all, no harsh chemicals or toxin
exposure -

It’s pretty much a dream come true to be creative while being
able to provide an extremely healthy and non-toxic approach
to all parts of our clients’ experience during their visits to
our Head Spa salon.

We offer creative beautiful, wearable, on-trend hairstyles
without the traditional risk - The quality of products far
exceeded the past products of choice - For us it is imperative
that we provide a safe environment for our Stylists, salon
staff and our clients.

So with a vision of promoting the ethical Caucasian and
Ethnic hairdressing industry, we supply, train & educate
hair stylist in a new Holistic-minded approached to beauty,
Wellness and business behind the chair

For Client bookings please call 072 820 4678

For Stylists that wants to join our team and work in an
awesome environment please send your C.V. to info@
headspasa.co.za or

contact 0716758001

20 | Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019

Izelle Pretorius (40) lives in Nelspruit with her husband, a left mastectomy. Followed by 10 chemo sessions and
Johan, and their two sons, Ihvan (7) and Stian (3). 25 radiation sessions. Thereafter, a pre-emptive right
mastectomy and hysterectomy followed. It was found that
Family history Izelle is a carrier of the BRCA-2 gene, which puts her at an
increased risk of cervical cancer.
Izelle was 12 years old when her grandfather was
diagnosed with cancer. What is cancer she wondered? Her During one of Izelle’s chemo sessions, she was chatting to
grandfather passed away a year later. In 1999, her aunt was another patient, and the topic of what they would rather be
diagnosed with cancer. Ten years later, her aunt passed doing came up. Izelle said she would rather be training for
away. Izelle concluded that cancer is the illness that kills, the Ironman 70.3. “I reckoned if I could beat cancer, I can
or so she thought. do the Ironman 70.3,” Izelle explains. When people ask her,
“Why not do a 10km road race?” She replies, “I did not beat
Sixth sense a cold, I beat cancer!”

In 2015, Izelle felt a swollen gland in her armpit during Izelle believes that consulting a naturopath, in conjunction
her second pregnancy. She knew it was not related to the with conventional treatment, aided the victory over her
pregnancy, contrary to medical evidence. After the birth of cancer. She used natural products to strengthen her
her son, in March 2015, she went for a mammogram. The immune system and adopted a sugar-free diet.
results showed nothing to be concerned about. Though,
instinctively, Izelle knew something was not right. Ironman 70.3

Ironically the mother of two was diagnosed with Stage 3 Six months after Izelle finished treatment, she completed
breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She her first Ironman 70.3, in a time of 6 hours, 20 minutes,
had the illness that kills so she prayed, “Dear God, help with her husband by her side. “The training was just as
me!” Izelle suddenly experienced an indescribable peace. tough as the race, but when I reached that finish line, I was
She was not going to battle cancer; she was going to beat it. overwhelmed and proud,” she says.

Where would you rather be? The 40-year-old is currently training for the 2018 Telkom
94.7 Cycle Challenge, which takes place in November.
Due to the cancer being hostile and had already infected 10
of the 15 lymph nodes, her treatment plan was aggressive. “After my diagnosis, it seemed like a mountain in front of
On 28thOctober 2015, on her 38th birthday, she underwent me. Today I look back and see a small bump. I guess you
could say I was assigned the mountain to show others it can
be moved!”

Moving mountains

Through Izelle’s own experience, she found that financial
support for cancer patients, who don’t have the financial
means to undergo treatment, is limited. This is when
she decided to open a non-profit organisation, Moving
Mountains, to raise funds to provide financial support to
cancer patients who are in a debilitating financial situation.

The other services include: providing financial support to
qualifying cancer patients to have additional tests, such as
blood tests; and providing financial support to qualifying
cancer patients for transport costs to attend treatment
sessions. Raising awareness and educating patients, and
society at large, on healthy living to the prevention of and in
the fight against cancer is another objective.

Since opening, Moving Mountains has supported 24-year-
old Patricia, a mother of two, who is fighting Stage 4
cervical cancer, and 54-year-old *Sarah, who is fighting
brain cancer. *Not her real name.     

For more info, visit www.movingmountians.org.za or
visit their Facebook page Moving Mountains For Cancer
Patients.

“I guess you could say I was assigned the mountain to show
others it can be moved!”

Cerdit: this article was first published in Buddies For Life.

Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019 | 21

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Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019 | 23

Download the Lowveld Live
APP to advertise and grow
your business.

Grow your business with a Mobile App 4. Stand out and be noticed
Struggling to get your business noticed, I have found the Success in business is first of all to stand out from the
answer. If only I listened earlier I could have reached my crowd! If I can give you advice take advantage of this
business goals so much earlier. I know for some of us the marketing opportunity while it is still unfamiliar to so
unknown looks like a territory you would rather shy away many of your competitors. If you update the pictures
from but I can promise you after reading what I have to say I on your app regularly your clients have direct access to
hope I have given you the courage to try something new and the latest and new products and or fashion.
benefit from it.
1. Discovering Business Marketing in the palm of your 5. Integrate your Social Media and your Website
Most people just log into social media to check up
hand on friends, updates etc incorporate this into your
marketing strategy so that people see your brand while
When I started my business a few years ago I soon they catch up with friends. You can include features like
realized that one must have a generous budget for in-app messaging, comments, likes and photo sharing
marketing that was until I was introduced to the capabilities. Additionally, enable logging in to the app
Mpumalanga Live App on my cell Phone. It is easy, via FaceBook and Twitter.
quick and very effective, my clients/customers can now If you have a website the app can complement this
find me in a matter of seconds by pressing a single marketing tool perfectly. The app not only create brand
button on their cell phones. In two easy steps they can awareness, but actually attracts new customers and
reach me in seconds either via direct phone, email, customer loyalty. It is all so much easier in the past you
sending message via Facebook or just click on the would have had to open a browser and enter the URL
“directions” button taking them right to my doorstep. of the website and with you app you can simply click on
2. Direct Marketing the button open the website almost immediately.
Just imagine walking and suddenly get a notification
you are close to a shop and the notification is inviting 6. Mobile Marketing is the way forward
you to enter informing you about new products Do you know of any person that do not have or use
or specials. This is the future, do not wait for the a cell phone these days? My point exactly just look
customer let the app invite them to visit when close. All around you and realize how easy it is to market your
of this can be done by simply use and area-sensitive business. The number of people using their mobile
push message on the app. phones surpassed the number of desktop users by
3. Instant Brand Recognition far. Having a function website will always be the place
If you think about it what is creating instant awareness, to start, social media will always has it place and use
a huge and expensive billboard or a notification on these platforms to inform people to download the app.
your phone? What is even more helpful is the fact Grow your business, your profit, customer base and
that you get an easy sharing option to share your be a trend setter. Advertise your business on an app in
communications with friends. Studies have shown that your region or province as soon as possible.
referrals and third-party sales are among the most
valuable marketing strategies.

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PRO GRATIA
DANCE CLASSES

Arequest for assistance with information on a dance
school accommodating kids with special needs
changed our lives. Myself Jacques Lombard, director
Mrs Mpumalanga was asked the question to accommodate
a very special child. Her dream was to dance, but due to
bullying she could no longer attend her normal dance
classes.

Michelle Buys is the choreographer of Timeless
Productions and Mrs Mpumalanga for the past few years
and immediately we knew this was our calling.

We started 4 months ago with free dance classes at Pro
Gratia Learning Centre just outside of Mbombela on the
Barberton road. We offer assistance to the whole school
and all ages, it is a fun session and even the teachers love
to join in. There is so many people still asking what is it that
Mrs Mpumalanga and the management team does, well
this is one of our projects. The support we get from our
followers and supporters make it possible for us to spend
two hours every week with these special kid.

The highlight of every week to see how their faces light up
once the music starts and Michelle starts showing them
basic dance moves.

Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019 | 25

We also want to thank and give credit to the
following sponsors for being part of
Mrs Mpumalanga

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Zane Janse Van Rensburg
Co-Producer of
Mrs Mpumalanga
Gala Event.

Zane Jansen Van Rensburg (27) has been in the country wide during the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Over 700
music industry for the last 12 years in her capacity Musicians,dancers and various other acts was given the
as a Solo Performer as well as a Creative diretor opportunity to perform and audition.
and producer of various productions. Her singing talent
was noticed when she was chosen to be a main role in Her singing and Show producing passion motivated her
her school Revue . There after she was advised to launch to register a taylor made company “Crush Events” to
her first album. She followed the advise and decided to expand her passion in the entertainment industry. With all
do so under her own production company “African Space her experience she was asked to form part of the largest
Productions” In that same year her album was nominated Afrikaans Production in South Africa named “ Afrikaans
for the best contemporary album at the yearly well known is Groot” Subsequently she was appointed to be part
Vonk Music Awards. In 2008 Zane was chosen to perform on of the Ghoema Music Awards production team. Zane’
a International level at The ICC Womens Cricket World Cup expanded her expertise to Mpumalanga and currently
and was the only performer to represent South Africa on based in Hazyview. She is now in the process to dedicate
that high standard. her experience in all aspects of the entertainment and
production industry in Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Zane
Zane always had a passion to write and produce music is currently working with Jacques Lombard Director
productions and took on the challenge in 2009 to have of Timeless Productions. In 2019 the province of Mrs
her own stage at the yearly KKNK Festival Held in Mpumalanga can look forward to the production of
Oudshoorn. Her desire was to enhance up and comming Miss Deaf Word taking place in July 2019 in Mbombela,
hidden talent the opportunity to audition and entertain Mpumalanga.
the tourists from overseas that attended all the fan parks

Mrs MPUMALANGA 2019 | 27

Eulander Nanni

STILL MAKING
THE MARK...
THE NANNI WAY

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Winning Mrs Mpumalanga Ambassador 2018 The 3 Annuals events are aimed to help address and raising
was just the first of marks which Nanni was awareness for:
accomplishing. BFM awards recipient of best
styled diva 2018, Sunrise Woman Award nominee for Social • Eating Disorders (amongst children)
Entrepreneurship and Game Changer. Yes indeed she is a • Depression 
force to be reckoned. • Autism 
• Alcoholism (amongst youth)
Eulender is a spirited confident independent woman. It is a • Mental Illness and Non-communicable Diseases
combination of her personality passion for life intelligence;  
opinion sense of humor. She is sassy, lives boldly and full of Also to get Getting Services like Professionals: Doctors,
spirit; cheeky and stylish that possess a sensual persona. Dietitians, Psychologists, Psychiatrist & Help a mother with
Has a quick - witted intelligence with ability respond quickly a child that has Autism Spectrum Syndrome (raise funds &
& effectively to different situations. awareness of living with the condition)

After the crowing of Mrs Mpumalanga Ambassador 2018, The fashion show gives Platform to:
she was ready to serve and serve she did.
From organizing 3 Annuals events to three Annual events • Local designers to showcase their clothing lines.
is to Raise Funds and Awareness help XiluvaXamama • Local Models, Make-up Artists and
201-220 NPO a non-profit organization which is founded • Local Artists for the entertainment
in July 2017, the conception of the NPO came about, when • Local SMME’s have been employed for all services
seeking help with my own daughter’s eating disorder illness
(Anorexia Nervosa) and could not find a clinic or a hospital which was required to plan this event; thus creating
to can treat her. Akeso Clinics in Nelspruit next to Kiaat local jobs
Hospital do not work with kids as young as 8 year to 15
years, due to stringed laws and licensing; hence I took it
upon myself to start an NPO.

Events which as the Mrs. Mpumalanga Ambassador 2018 Hosted are:  

Charitable Couture 1St one was 20 October 17
2nd 20 April 2018
Poetry and Jazz meet Youngsters 1St one was 30 June 2018

Total Annual Events Eat Drink & Be Giving 1st one was 2017 
for funds raised per Program 1: Red Dot Project 2nd one 25 August 2018
one every 2/3 months in
program area different communities around MP
Continuous engaging
Program 2: Girl & Boy Child
Mentorship

Charitable Couture: Fashion Show the audience to connect with each other over issues that
are common, and sometimes make one or the other aware
2nd Annual Charitable Couture Fashion Show, sponsored of new issues.
by Riverside Mall and hosted on the 20th of April 2018, the
event aimed to uplift local fashion designers and models “Eat, Drink and Be Giving’: Charity Gala dinner
by incorporating their art-form throughout the course
of the event. We empower local artists and give them an On the 29th of September, Eulender Nanni - Our
opportunity to be heard. Mrs. Mpumalanga Ambassador 2018 hosted a
Charity Gala dinner under the title ‘Eat, Drink and Be
Poetry & Jazz meets Youngsters Giving’. The purpose of this dinner was to shed light on
what she and her organization, XiluvaXaMama 222-220
30 June 2018 Poetry & Jazz meets Youngsters (Mommy’s Flower), stand for and to raise funds in support
XiluvaXamama (mommy’s flower) concept of Poetry & Jazz of the cause. Mrs. Nanni puts importance on addressing
speak about the volume of undiscovered talent… The lack the incidence of Mental Health conditions in the province
of opportunity… and your interests in the industry outside including Autism Spectrum Disorders, Eating Disorders and
of XiluvaXaMama and how you intend to grow the NPO The Depression.
event, in its entirety was designed to be intimate while,
sufficiently entertaining. Through this event we catch a The event kicked off to a powerful start with poetry
glimpse of what is on the minds of our children, we will shared by the youth who have experienced some of these
understand them more, hear what it is that they feel and conditions, before moving onto the keynote speakers who
what they need the most from us as a community. It is their expressed either professional or personal accounts of their
platform to be heard. Why Poetry and Jazz? Poetry, in its experiences with Mental Health issues.
nature, is about self-expression. It allows the speaker and

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Leanche Kleyn

Mrs Mpumalanga 2nd Runner Up 2018

Ayear ago, I was Leanche Kleyn, a Mrs. Mpumalanga Supporting Mrs. Mpumalanga 2018, Mash Mokgatle during
2018 finalist and had no idea that I was about to start the year was a pleasure and it was such fun mentoring the
on a life changing journey filled with wonders as finalists for the 2019 year.
Leanche Kleyn, 2nd runner up.
Coming to the end of a year filled with opportunities, joy,
It feels like yesterday when I realized to get more involved love and tears I have to thank some very special people.
with charity, I’ll need a bigger platform to work from, it
was then that I decided to enter the Mrs. Mpumalanga My employers, Life-Form Taxidermy, thank you for your
Competition and was blown away when the message came endless patience, support and allowing me to be where I
through that I was invited to attend an interview with the needed to be when I had to be there.
panel. The interview was exciting, and I enjoyed being able
to share my ideas and plans with them. Soon after, Mrs. My loving husband Alex, engel… jy weet mos…. thank you
Mpumalanga Organizers informed me that I was one of for your support, attending functions, missing out on so
the semifinalists and a year ago I stood on a stage and was many rugby games! I love you to the moon and back.
crowned 2nd runner up.
My dad, Ken Avery, pappa, my rots. You taught me to end
The title of Mrs. Mpumalanga 2018 2nd runner up opened what I start, to give my best…
doors for me and I could increase my interest and support
in charity work and helping those less fortunate. The supply Tannie Noelle, your support throughout my journey in good
of donated sanitary pads to a rural school has increased times and in troubled times, I could count on you to be there
attendance by girls with 40%, the development of a weather for me, with advise, with plans, with how to’s
protected, self-managed vegetable garden at a rural school
is now supplementing meals for over 500 children. Care Chico and Lala, my furry four-footed babies, always ready to
packs for GRIP is continuing. Fundraising for Charlene give me a lick and a cuddle…
Els, a cerebral palsy victim is continuing. Recently I was
chosen to run Semarella, a community upliftment program, Last but not least… Mrs. Mpumalanga Team… what can I
covering many interesting subjects as well as linking young say, thank you for entrusting the 2nd runner up title to me,
women to mentors they can relate to. This would not have your contribution to my personal and professional growth is
been possible without the wonderful support from personal indescribable. I am looking forward to being of assistance
and project sponsors. I am so blessed to have met and in your future endeavors.
continue to meet amazing and wonderful people of all races
and religions from various communities.

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Everything BUT ordinary

The originated from A listers, yes the type of people imagination, expansiveness, inspiration, and sensitivity.
you will find in Hollywood between making movies. Blue also represents meanings of depth, trust, loyalty,
Sophisticated, elegant, trendy people that know what sincerity, wisdom, confidence, stability, faith, heaven, and
they like and want out of life. A place you can have your intelligence. The color gold is cousin to the color yellow and
important business meetings, breakfast, lunch or dinner, thecolor brown, and is also associated with illumination,
we have a stage for live entertainment, cash bar facilities love, compassion, courage, passion, magic, and
and after 22h00 the dance floor is open to create the look wisdom. Gold is a precious metal that is associated with
and feel of a very exclusive night club. wealth, grandeur, and prosperity, as well as sparkle, glitz,
and glamour.
A-Lounge is the brainchild of 4 very different individuals.
Jacques Lombard, director Mrs Mpumalanga and Timeless It was also decided to give it a bit of GATSBY twist as can be
Productions, Claud Kruger, artistic, successful space seen on the famous A Lounge hand stencilled wall, a true
planner and love for creating gourmet dishes, Hugo master piece indeed.
Morgado a project manager in Mosambique and his
beautiful wife Nayana Morgado, proud owner of Pop Epoch Our food is counted as from the best in town and we have
Party shop. Four different individuals with one amazing excellent chefs and food fundi’s when putting a menu
idea and vision for one of the fastest growing cities in South together for a function or event. Claud specialty in the
Africa. kitchen is in sliders, tappas and even gourmet samosas.

Mbombela previously known as Nelspruit is one of the While Claud and Nayana make sure everything is running
fastest growing cities in South Africa and with growth our in the kitchen, Jacques and Hugo is making sure everybody
community developed a taste for the finer things in life. As is happy on the floor. Hugo normally assisting making sure
most of our customers is successful business people they bar facilities is running smoothly and Jacques specialize in
have a need for relaxation in a safe environment, where production and entertainment. What a perfect combination
they feel safe and protected. between for individuals.

Claud Kruger one of the directors of this establishment A-Lounge have many card up the sleeve for 2019, from
had a very clear vision on the décor choices and exclusive fashions shows, to opening a wine boutique and
color. Blue represents both the sky and the sea, and even opening an art gallery. A Lounge will soon be the place
is associated with open spaces, freedom, intuition, you have to be seen.

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