Following last week’s announcement that she will be joining Mrs South Africa’s Top 30 Finalists for 2025, Wilmarie Kriel is now setting her sights on the upcoming finals in November, what with preparing for an intensive schedule of workshops, photoshoots, mentoring sessions and charity engagements over the coming months.
Raised in Somerset West, she has spent the past four years in Cape Town balancing administrative-management and content-creation tasks with community-based initiatives. Since entering the Mrs South Africa programme earlier this year she has remained focused on achieving her goals of inspiring others through her journey, cultivating her public-speaking prowess and embodying confidence with grace and authenticity. Her commitment and determination have now paid off, earning her a prized spot among the Top 30 finalists.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and love for my community, whose unwavering support has carried me through times of loss and challenge,” noted Kriel. “Rising above my circumstances, I embraced this next chapter with renewed determination and perseverance, hopeful that my journey inspires other women to believe in their own strength and limitless potential.”
Achieving a spot in the Top 30
The road to the Top 30 began in earnest during Mrs South Africa’s semi-finals week, held from 2 to 4 July at Hotel Sky in Sandton. Over three demanding days of prep, personal growth, learning and further networking, semi-finalists worked through leadership roundtables, special mentorship sessions, interviews and the spectacular staged semi-final showcase that saw the Theatre of Marcellus buzz with excitement and hopeful nervous energy on 4 July. Saturday 5 July and Sunday 6 July were then dedicated to workshops led by experts in media relations, business and social responsibility. Finalists also participated in their first professional photo and video shoot to help support their personal branding and social media efforts from then on.
“The day of the showcase our five incredible judges looked for clear evidence of both substance and progress in terms of self-development and leadership within each of the women,” Joani Jacobs, CEO of Mrs South Africa, related. “What they do and say throughout the programme’s many events and on the actual stage are critical, but it’s what they do for their communities, how they change lives and how they lead that really matter.
“More than just a pageant affectionately called ‘the MBA of Life’, Mrs South Africa’s programme is designed to equip married women aged 25 to 55 years of age with strategic leadership tools as well as a network in the form of its famed sisterhood that grows long after the crown changes hands.
According to Jacobs the aim is to graduate a cohort equipped to contribute meaningfully to socioeconomic challenges and initiatives that change lives. Many participants even go on to launch their own community development organisations that address South Africa’s most pressing challenges.
“It has profoundly enhanced my confidence, empowering me to speak with greater assurance. It has also ignited a newfound courage within me to explore my true potential and discover what I am truly capable of, all while embracing grace and strength along the way.” Going forward, Wilmarie Kriel will host a gala to raise funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), one of the two official charities Mrs South Africa supports.
“I was drawn to Cansa because it has personally touched my family. Witnessing the impact of cancer on loved ones has deepened my understanding of the importance of their work. Supporting Cansa is vital because it helps save lives through research, education, and support, and I want to contribute to a future where fewer families have to face such challenges.”
Looking ahead, Wilmarie Kriel is hopeful for what she will achieve. “Professionally I aspire to continue making a positive impact, whether through my career or community service. Personally, I want to support initiatives such as Isibindi-Ysterplaat and give back to my local community and youth, instilling confidence and hope in others. I believe that by working together we can build a brighter future for all.”
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