Johannesburg: La-Quelle Dookie’s story does not begin with a crown. It begins in the quiet aftermath of loss, in the kind of life-altering moment that separates who you were from who you must now become. A widowed mother of three, La-Quelle knows what it means to keep going when life has come apart. She knows the invisible labour of grief: waking up, parenting, working, planning, providing, and holding everything together when your own heart is still trying to understand what has happened. For many women, resilience is not a slogan. It is school mornings after sleepless nights. It is showing up to work with swollen eyes and a steady voice. It is making decisions for your children while privately wondering how you will get through the day. It is rebuilding not because you feel ready, but because life keeps asking you to continue. This is where La-Quelle’s story becomes powerful. At 35, she has built a career in some of South Africa’s most demanding industries: construction, mining, and energy. As a Project Control Specialist with more than a decade of experience, she has worked in environments where pressure is constant, accountability is non-negotiable, and women often have to prove themselves twice over. In that world, she learned how to manage complexity, recover failing projects, lead under pressure, and make order from chaos. Later, those same lessons would become personal. After profound personal loss, La-Quelle had to apply everything she knew about rebuilding systems to the most difficult project of all: rebuilding her own life. There was no neat plan. No perfect timeline. No easy version of healing. There was only the daily decision to rise, to mother, to work, to lead, and eventually, to turn pain into purpose. “Life did not ask me to become perfect,” says La-Quelle. “It asked me to keep going. Everything I am building today comes from choosing to rise again, even in the hardest …
Fighting for the Voiceless: Talitha Oosthuizen Advances to Top 30 in Mrs. South Africa
Fighting for the Voiceless: Talitha Oosthuizen Advances to Top 30 in Mrs. South Africa Bedfordview, South Africa – July 2025 – Accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and passionate advocate for human rights, Talitha Oosthuizen has officially been announced as a Top 30 Finalist in the Mrs. South Africa 2025 competition. This significant achievement marks the next step in her inspiring journey of leadership, advocacy, and community upliftment. Representing the heart of Bedfordview with pride and purpose, Talitha first entered the Mrs. South Africa platform with a mission far greater than a crown: to be a voice for the voiceless, especially children affected by human trafficking and abuse. As a committed ambassador for Shattering Shackles, an organization fighting human trafficking in South Africa, she brings visibility to a critical issue too often hidden in silence. “Human trafficking is a devastating reality that affects countless lives, and we must take collective action to end it,” says Talitha. “Shattering Shackles is making a tangible difference, and with greater awareness, we can expand our reach and impact.” Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Solutions Talitha serves as the patron of the Bush Whisper Foundation, which runs life-changing programs across tourism, sewing, logistics, and marketing—giving underprivileged youth the skills and confidence to shape their futures. “Empowerment begins with opportunity,” Talitha adds. “We’re not just changing lives—we’re building a stronger, more compassionate society.” Advocate for Children and Mental Health A fierce advocate for vulnerable children, through her Bush Whisper Foundation, Talitha partners with organisations such as Shattering Shackles, Abraham Kriel Children’s Home and Little Gems Residential Care, which provide safe, nurturing spaces for children in crisis. Having survived an eating disorder herself, she is also a beacon of hope for young people battling mental health …
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Gift Kubeka Crowned Mrs. Soweto 2025 in a Night of Glamour and Empowerment
Soweto, South Africa – March 15, 2025 – The Soweto Theatre was ablaze with elegance and celebration as the highly anticipated Official `Mrs. Soweto 2025 Grand Finale unfolded, marking a night to remember. The prestigious title of Mrs. Soweto 2025 was proudly claimed by Gift Kubeka from Meadowlands, with Naeema Pedro securing the 1st Princess position and Linda Zwane being crowned as 2nd Princess. More than just a pageant, The Official Mrs. Soweto is a platform for empowerment, celebrating the resilience, grace, and leadership of mature women who are committed to making a meaningful impact in their communities. Contestants embarked on a journey of personal development, leadership training, and social impact initiatives in preparation for this grand finale. “Tonight, we don’t just celebrate winners; we celebrate the journey of every woman who has stepped on this stage, inspiring change and embracing their power,” said Tshegofatso Mathe, founder of Mrs. Soweto. A Night of Inspiration and Tribute to Legends The evening was elevated with an inspiring Van Toeka Af theme, paying homage to the strength of African women. Attendees were treated to dazzling performances by Smama, Mthokozisi, Motlatsi Mafatshe, and Gabisile Tshabalala, adding to the magic of the night. A standout moment of the event was a moving tribute to living legends, with icons such as Marah Louw, Abigail Kubheka, and Augustine Masilela Chuene gracing the occasion. The esteemed judging panel, including Sophie Ndaba, Simphiwe Majola, Palesa Matjekane and Kingdom Mahlangu, had the difficult task of selecting the winner among an extraordinary group of finalists. Crowning the Queen: A Year of Opportunity As the newly crowned Mrs. Soweto 2025, Gift Kubeka will embark on a transformative journey advocating for causes that uplift and empower women. She follows in the esteemed footsteps of the first Mrs. Soweto, Mel Thlapi, and will serve as an ambassador for change. Her reign comes with …
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Talitha Oosthuizen Announced as Mrs. South Africa 2025 Semi-finalist a Voice for the Voiceless and a Beacon of Hope
Bedfordview, South Africa – Feb 2025– Accomplished entrepreneur, businesswoman, and philanthropist, local Bedfordview resident, Talitha Oosthuizen has been officially announced as a Mrs. South Africa 2025 Semi-Finalist, marking an exciting milestone in her journey of empowerment, leadership, and social impact. She embarked on this journey of entering Mrs South Africa with a deep sense of purpose: to be a voice for children who are silenced, afraid, or physically unable to speak for themselves. She always felt a responsibility to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Through her work as an ambassador for human trafficking awareness, particularly with the incredible organization Shattering Shackles, She is committed to shedding light on the devastating realities of trafficking and exploitation. Shattering Shackles works tirelessly to address this critical issue, and their efforts are truly life changing. Support for their mission is essential by spreading this message far and wide, ensuring that more people understand the urgency of this cause and join the fight to protect the vulnerable. “Human trafficking is a devastating reality that affects countless lives, and we must take collective action to end it,” says Talitha. “Shattering Shackles is making a tangible difference, and with greater awareness, we can expand our reach and impact.” Empowering Communities Through the Bush Whisper Foundation In addition to her anti-trafficking advocacy, Talitha serves as the patron of the Bush Whisper Foundation, where she plays an instrumental role in programs that equip individuals with vital skills for a sustainable future. The foundation provides internships in sewing, tourism, marketing, and logistics—creating opportunities for youth to gain hands-on experience and build confidence. Furthermore, it supports Greentrax K9, an anti-poaching unit dedicated to protecting Mpumalanga’s endangered wildlife. “Empowerment begins with opportunity,” Talitha …
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Breaking Barriers in Tech – Empowering Young Women to Lead South Africa’s Digital Future
Breaking Barriers in Tech – Empowering Young Women to Lead South Africa’s Digital Future Johannesburg, Dec 2024 - In a time when South Africa’s digital economy is growing exponentially, the need for skilled professionals in the tech industry has never been greater. Yet, despite this rapid growth, a persistent gender imbalance and youth unemployment crisis continue to threaten the industry’s full potential. One young woman, Khosa Morongwa, is challenging this reality. Her journey to becoming an IT professional, supported by Signa Trust’s bursary fund, embodies the promise of transformation in a sector often limited by inequality and access. “Khosa’s story is about personal perseverance and the larger narrative of empowering young women to break into the male-dominated field of technology,” says (spokesperson). “She represents the thousands of young South Africans striving to equip themselves with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving job market.” Having grown up in a community with limited resources, Khosa faced significant financial challenges. Despite these obstacles, she has shown an unwavering passion for technology and an impressive academic record. Through the Signa Trust bursary, she now has the opportunity to pursue her dream of earning a diploma in IT at one of the country’s leading institutions. Addressing South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis through skills development The need for skilled professionals is a pressing issue in South Africa. According to recent statistics, youth unemployment hovers around 60%, while women in the tech industry remain underrepresented. Khosa’s success is not only an inspirational personal achievement but also a crucial step in addressing these systemic issues. Her journey underscores the value of targeted investment in skills development as a solution to youth unemployment. Industry experts believe that women like Khosa can play a pivotal role in closing the skills gap, particularly in emerging …
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Event Synthesis International Expands With New Office in the Garden Route
Sandton, Nov 2024 – Event Synthesis International (ESI), a leading events management and MICE specialist, is proud to announce the expansion of its operations with the opening of a new office in the Garden Route. Officially commencing operations on 15th December 2024, the new office is located at 1 Jakkalbos, Paradise Cove, Dana Bay, Mossel Bay, Western Cape, 6510. The expansion marks a significant milestone for ESI as it continues to grow and enhance its ability to serve both local and international clients. The Garden Route office will be managed by CEO Angelique Smith, who can be reached at angie@esiglobal.co.za or via phone at 060 970 7653. The Gauteng office will continue its operations as usual, managed by Event Specialist Belinda Aslett, who can be contacted at belinda@esiglobal.co.za or 082 783 8710. In line with this expansion, ESI will also be transitioning its website to reflect its growing global footprint. Effective from 15th December 2024, the new website will be www.esiglobal.co.za, replacing the current www.eventsynthesis.co.za. For general enquiries, clients can reach us at our new office cell phone number, 082 330 8330, or via email at info@esiglobal.co.za. "We are excited about this new chapter and the opportunities it brings to better serve our valued clients across South Africa and beyond," said Angelique Smith, CEO of Event Synthesis International. "We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support from our clients and look forward to continuing to deliver excellence in event management." For more information, please contact: Angelique Smith, CEO, Event Synthesis International | angie@esiglobal.co.za | Cell: 060 970 7653 Belinda Aslett, Event Specialist, Event Synthesis International | belinda@esiglobal.co.za | Cell: 082 783 8710 About Event Synthesis International: Event Synthesis International (ESI) is a leading provider of event management, PCO, and MICE services, with a strong presence in South Africa and an …