The journey to crowning the next Mrs South Africa has begun, with former Somerset West locals Wilmarie Kriel and Yvette Muller, Strand’s Rechaux Browne and Gordon’s Bay’s Samantha Gillion among the hopefuls selected as semi-finalists for the 2025 competition, powered by iME. These women represent a diverse group, each with unique stories and motivations for participating in this transformative programme.
Kriel, now living in the Mother City, expressed her excitement about the opportunity for personal growth and empowerment. “I see this announcement as the beginning of a journey to inner confidence, growth, acquiring valuable skills and transformation. It’s about embracing my unique purpose and a chance to unlock potential I never knew I held within.” She hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions fearlessly, overcoming self-doubt and limitations.
Kriel’s personal journey has been marked by resilience, having faced the loss of her father as a teenager and later the passing of an employer. Her experience as an air hostess, exploring the world, instilled in her a strong determination to pursue her dreams, which has ultimately led her to the Mrs South Africa platform. “I hope to inspire people of all ages to pursue their passions boldly and create their own paths. Challenge self-doubt, overcome limitations, and reach for your dreams.”
For Muller the reason for joining the Mrs South Africa sisterhood was clear.
“We moved to Somerset West when I was almost 10 years old. I went to Beaumont Primary School and also attended high school in the town, where I matriculated in 1990. I left for work reasons in 1996 and returned in 2004, living here with my husband and have since been blessed with three children.
“The Helderberg is a very special place to me and the community has always been close to my heart, with some locals having watched my growth and development over the years. I am hoping to use the platform to empower girls and women across all ages. I have recently opened a commercial modelling agency as well as a modelling school, where I not only teach the tools of the trade for the modelling industry, but more importantly, I teach self-confidence, self-worth and create a safe place among my models and equip them to deal with the pressures placed on them in this modern day and age.
“I am also giving them the necessary skills, which will serve them well should they decide to pursue a modeling or pageant career. This platform has already opened so many doors and partnerships with local businesses, and I am excited to share those with the Helderberg.”
For Browne the big draw is the pageant’s promise of genuine empowerment, personal transformation and the ability to make a lasting impact. Browne’s journey to the semi-finals has been marked by both challenges and unwavering determination.
“I entered Mrs SA in 2023 and had to withdraw due to falling pregnant. The second time I entered in 2024 I could not attend the casting because my daughter became very ill and spent three months on a ventilator. Two days before the casting I was informed they would try to remove it to see if she could breathe on her own. It was a no-brainer; I had to be there for my daughter. This year, I finally embarked on the long-awaited journey – one I had to complete, this time in honour of my daughter’s strength and resilience as a woman.
“This time around it’s a new, stronger me with a newfound conviction and determination. God had to place big obstacles to keep me from taking the journey because small obstacles would not have stopped me. My time is now.” For Browne the reason to join the Mrs South Africa sisterhood was clear: “Life is short. Take the opportunity or lose the chance.”
Gillion, a devoted wife to Ranvor, mother to RJ and Aimee, and co-founder of Edify Her, is deeply passionate about helping women embrace their identity in Christ and recognise the beauty within themselves. Through her platform she aims to inspire women, especially young girls, to walk confidently in their worth and the unconditional love of Christ.
“As women we often struggle with self-worth and identity, but I believe true confidence is rooted in faith. My heart beats for empowering others to discover their God-given identity and to live boldly in their purpose.”
Embarking on the Mrs South Africa journey is more than a personal endeavour for Gillion. It is a way to lead by example, demonstrating to her children, especially her daughter, the values she holds dear.
“I want my daughter to see me living out the very principles I teach – walking boldly in faith, standing firm in God-confidence, and carrying His love with grace. I hope to inspire not only her but also mothers and daughters everywhere to believe in their intrinsic worth and divine purpose.”
The semi-finalists recently participated in their first workshop weekend, a crucial component of the programme. Experts from various fields have provided coaching in public speaking and interview preparation, personal branding and social-media use, networking and building relationships with sponsors, and participating in charity and community work. This comprehensive training equips the women with valuable skills that extend far beyond the pageant itself.
