These are the words of the beautiful and humble Erika Breytenbach who has been chosen as one of the finalists for the prestigious Mrs Africa Classic 2019 and also the reason why she entered.
Erika says she always wanted to make a difference in someone’s life and now she found the platform to do so. The Africa Pageants mission is to give dignity back and assist in any way possible in local communities and across the African continent.
The Africa pageant was started in 2002 by Carolyn Baldwin-Botha, who is known as the Mother of Pageantry in South Africa. “I‘ve been involved in the beauty industry for the past 20 years and it is my passion to make women feel good. For me beauty comes from within, it is not always about how you look on the outside but rather how you feel on the inside. By restoring dignity among others, especially women, and to provide tools to assist in educating young minds to be the leaders of tomorrow, I can make a difference.”
This is also why the three charities associated with Africa Pageants and the Africa Pageants Foundation lie very close to Erika’s heart. Dignity Dreams is an NGO that manufactures and distributes washable pads to women and girls. Deskbags provide children with bags to carry his or her books and stationery safely to and from school, while the flap, becomes an instant desk when unfolded. The Nzuri Project aims to reach, perform surgery, heal and beautify millions of women who live with Endemic Goitre Condition in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“If I can only make life a little easier for one person it will all be worth it. It is an absolute honour to be one of the finalists and to be part of this empowering group of women. I am still in shock, I am just Erika, down-to-earth Erika and now I have this amazing journey ahead of me.”
Erika works at Juenesse Global, a health and wellness company, and enjoys spending time with her family. She married her husband Ettiene two years ago, while her eldest son, Brian (26), is the owner of an electrical company and her youngest, Johan (20), is busy getting all the experience needed to work on farms abroad. Ettiene’s two daughters, Bianca (18) and Janishke (13) also lie close to her heart. “My family, including my parents, support me every step of the way. Without them I would not be able to do this. They are everything to me. I am a family person and believe in love, respect and goodwill towards each other,” Erika says.
Other than work and spending time with her family, Erika is involved in the Africa Pageants Foundation’s official charity initiatives and has set time aside to visit old age homes and youth care centres. She is also planning a High Tea for Dignity later this year, before the Mrs Africa Classic Crowning takes place in December.
“I am privileged to have met so many great people and no matter where life takes me I will always live by the following words: Life can be cruel sometimes and it does not matter who you are or where you come from, you should always hold your head high.”
Erika is the only finalist from the Vaal Triangle and needs all the support she can get to make a difference. She needs a Gold Sponsor for which she will be an ambassador throughout her journey. Anyone interested in sponsoring or donating in any way can contact Erika on 072 777 2861.
To vote for Erika, send an SMS with MrsC02 to 47018. SMSs cost R2,00 and free and bundled SMSs do not apply.
To donate R20,00 towards her journey, SMS MrsC02 to 40113. SMS costs R20,00. Free and bundled SMSs do not apply.
For more information on Africa Pageants phone 011 849 1087 or send an email to info@mrsafrica.co.za or visit their website at www.africapageants.com.
