The crowning of the new Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa will take place at Emperors palace on 8 November.
While this annual event has earned an honourable reputation for raising copious amounts of money for the Women4Women foundation each year, the glamorous affair is always the perfect opportunity for guests to dust off their glass slippers and be treated to a delectable dinner while viewing a seamless stage production.
It was an important occasion on the Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa calendar too, as the top 100 semi-finalists, announced four months ago, pinnacled their journey of workshops, networking, judging and rehearsing, when the announcement of the final Top 25 was made at the dinner.
“I have gone through a rigorous selection process in the last few months and I am elated to have been selected as one of the 25 finalists,” said Dee Tempia, HoD and lecturer at the Department of Economics.
Judges Vusi Zwane, Hlengiwe Twala, Leanne Dlamini, Mel Viljoen, Nicole Capper and principal judge Cindy Nell-Roberts, admitted to this being the hardest round of judging thus far, as all semi-finalists had inspired them and displayed beauty, grace and dedication.
The top 25 finalists will now embark on a journey of fund raising, networking and self-development until the final round of judging, to name the Tammy Taylor Mrs. South Africa 2019.
Sharing her story Tempia said: “This opportunity has afforded me an elevated platform in order to champion development in underprivileged communities. In addition, I had an opportunity to advocate for women and their determination to achieve their wildest dreams. These causes are anchored in my life journey and reflected in my philanthropy. I grew up in a polygamous family of three wives and 18 children. My father died when I was only eight. I was left in the care of my mother who worked as a maid earning as little as R30 per month.”
“Despite the hardships, I am a five-time graduate. I have a B Com (Rhodes), B Com(Hons) (Wits) MA, MSc (CSU) USA, and PhD (UP). I fully subscribe to Nelson Mandela’s mantra education is the greatest weapon you can use to change the world. During my journey as an finalist, I will concentrate on initiatives that will bring opportunities to disadvantaged communities.”
For the fundraising portion of the contest, Women4Women South Africa is my chosen beneficiary. Women4Women is a non-profit and public benefit (charity) organisation focused on Female Empowerment and Community Upliftment. All funds raised will be distributed to community projects, which are ultimately focused on creating opportunities for young women to develop life skills and acquire education through bursary schemes for the less fortunate. I can personally testify on the benefit I have received from the beloved women in my life. I believe in the affirmation presented to South African women by June Jordan in 1978 that we are indeed the ones we have been waiting for. Please join me in championing equal opportunity for women and make a donation.”
The Mrs South Africa brand displays the virtues of South Africa, the spirit of Ubuntu, and the real relatable women of the country. The newly crowned Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa 2020 will become an ambassador for the organisation and its sponsors and represent South Africa internationally at the Mrs World Competition.
To vote for Dee please SMS Dee Tempia to 35959. SMS costs R3. Free SMSs do not apply
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