Marike Spreeth, of Bothasig, is hoping to be the next Mrs South Africa after being selected as a top-100 semi-finalist in the pageant.
Born in Panorama, Ms Spreeth, 32, said she had grown up in a Christian home and her mother was her biggest role model.
“My mother always taught me to be kind, help others and that no dream is ever impossible.”
Ms Spreeth, who was selected from hundreds of hopefuls at a national casting at Emperors Palace, in Johannesburg, earlier this year, has been married to 35-year-old Gideon Spreeth since September 2016.
“I am ecstatic and, of course, honoured to be a part of such a great women empowerment programme. I now have the platform to pursue my vision and dreams which have been in my heart a very long time.”
She said she wanted to use the opportunity to help underprivileged women.
“I want to do this by giving them the necessary sewing and handiwork skills and create jobs for them. This vision was driven by the start-up of my own business, Grace Designs, where I specialise in handmade decor, skirts and leather accessories. I want women to find their purpose and discover their true value through this process,” she said.
“This is an opportunity to step boldly and fearlessly out of my comfort zone and achieve great things and truly bring change in my community, not only awareness. Through this, I hope to inspire and empower the women following my journey to do the same,” she said.
The top-25 finalists will be chosen at Emperors Palace on Friday June 29, and Mrs South Africa will be crowned at the same venue on Friday November 9.
