- Natasha Booth, a nurse at Groote Schuur Hospital, recently concluded her journey as a semi-finalist in the Mrs South Africa competition.
- Despite not winning the title, Natasha describes the experience as transformative and empowering.
- She now looks forward to contributing more to her community, focusing on healthcare and empowering women.
She might not have been crowned with the Mrs South Africa title, but Natasha Booth can walk with her head held high because she stepped out of her comfort zone to fulfil her childhood dream.
For the past five months, the Groote Schuur Hospital nurse has been one of 100 semi-finalists vying for the esteemed title (“This is a dream: Groote Schuur nurse aims for Mrs SA title”, People’s Post, 12 March 2024).
But her journey came to an end during the top-30 judging rounds held at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, on Saturday 6 July.
Great
However, she has zero regrets and describes the past five months as “life-changing”.
“The experience was great. It took me out of my comfort zone. I never thought I could do it, as I am very private and was never in the limelight. I am very proud of what I have accomplished. My aim was to fulfil my dream of taking part in a beauty pageant and walking on the stage at the theatre of Marcellus and showcasing myself irrespective of the outcome. I have lived my dream.”
Mrs South Africa provides an acclaimed self-discovery programme for married women who aim to celebrate and further develop the skills of strong, talented and confident female leaders.
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The programme was created for married women between the ages of 25 and 55, with or without children, who would ordinarily not have such a platform to compete and be ambassadors for South Africa on a global scale.
The 49-year-old Muizenberg resident says this is an experience she will never forget and she made lasting connections with the women she journeyed with. “The sisterhood stood out for me. I was amazed how ladies from different provinces and walks of life stood by each other during the journey as a semi-finalist.”
Lasting footprints
Booth, who works in the hospital’s renal dialysis unit, explains that while her walk on the runway might have come to an end, she hopes to imprint lasting footprints in her community.
“I want to get involved with empowering women and be actively involved in my church with regard to healthcare and teaching people how to manage lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. I want to get more involved in the community and charities.”
Booth says she is grateful for the Mrs SA Pageant that helps women to empower themselves. She encouraged other women to take a leap of faith. “I want to encourage people that you should go for your dream irrespective of the outcome. It is not about the destination but the journey, and who knows, this may just be a start of a new adventure. You only have one life, live it with no regrets.”
Hard work
Joani Jacobs, chief executive officer of Mrs South Africa, says: “Our semi-finalists worked hard over the past few months and it definitely showed on stage. Each has a remarkable story and has shown extraordinary personal growth during their time with us. And while we could only take 30 contestants with us to the finals in November, the many friendships built over the past year will remain. Once you join the programme, you’re a part of the Mrs South Africa sisterhood for life.”
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Capetonians still in the running for the top spot are Kim-Lee Ricketts (38), Noni Gabriel (33), and Wilechia van der Westhuizen (34).
Next on the calendar for the Mrs South Africa sisterhood is a finalist lifestyle challenge, followed by pageant week, which will include the preliminary competitions and the final crowning on Friday 15 November.
