Talitha Oosthuizen is using her newly acquired title of Mrs South Africa 2nd Princess to tackle one of the country’s most pressing social issues – gender-based violence (GBV).The beauty queen has launched her “More Than a Crown – Breaking the Chains of GBV” campaign to coincide with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, which runs from 25 November to 10 December.
Oosthuizen joined the national Women for Change campaign to demonstrate her commitment to fighting GBV across South Africa, the crisis highlighted by alarming statistics.
Recent figures from the Human Sciences Research Council and South African Police Service paint a disturbing picture. In South Africa, between January and March 2025, 137 women were murdered and more than 1 000 women were raped. The statistics also show one in three women in the country have experienced physical intimate partner violence during their lifetime.
“These are not just statistics,” said Oosthuizen, “they are human lives, families shattered and futures stolen.”
Using her platform for change
The beauty queen is determined to leverage her title for meaningful social impact rather than just ceremonial appearances. “I refuse to let a crown just sit pretty,” Oosthuizen declared. “I will use every opportunity I have to shine a light on the darkest corners of our society, where far too many women and children suffer in silence.”
Connection between GBV and human trafficking
Oosthuizen’s advocacy extends to human trafficking, an issue she has championed through her partnership with Shattering Shackles, one of the few South African organisations specifically tackling this crime.
She highlighted the connection between gender-based violence and human trafficking, noting that sexual exploitation and partner control often lead to emotional and physical abuse. Message of hope to survivors
The Mrs South Africa 2nd Princess has a direct message for abuse survivors: “You are not your trauma.”
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She encourages women who have suffered abuse to recognise their worth, seek help, and refuse to be defined by their suffering.
Oosthuizen also calls on other women to pursue their dreams, whether through pageants, careers or advocacy work.
“You don’t need to be perfect,” she said. “You just need the courage to stand up, to speak out, and to lead.”
Supporting the cause
During the 16 Days of Activism Oosthuizen is encouraging South Africans to donate to Shattering Shackles to support the fight against gender-based violence and human trafficking.
Susan Saila, founder of Shattering Shackles, explained that the organisation needs funds to expand its reach for awareness and education, and to contract investigators, psychologists and other professionals crucial to protecting more lives.
Currently, only one in 250 victims is found and freed from traffickers in South Africa due to limited national reach of support organisations.
Emergency contacts:
GBV National Command Centre: 0800 428 428 (24-hour)
Human Trafficking Hotline: 0800 222 777
Women Abuse Helpline: 0800 150 150
SMS/USSD support: 120786#
Key awareness days during the 16 Days campaign:
29 November: International Women Human Rights Defenders Day
1 December: World Aids Day
3 December: International Day for Persons with Disabilities
10 December: International Human Rights Day
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