UKZN Doctoral Candidate Mrs South Africa 2023 Semi-Finalist

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PhD in Public Administration candidate, Mrs Thobeka Zondi has been selected as a Mrs South Africa 2023 semi-finalist.

The beauty pageant is open to married women between the ages of 25 and 55 and is committed to diversity and celebrating women of all races, religions, cultures and abilities.

Zondi - who recently attended a two-day Mrs South Africa National Casting event held in Johannesburg which saw semi-finalists take part in motivational talks, workshops, upskilling sessions, socialising, and networking opportunities - says she entered the pageant to network and connect with like-minded women.

‘Mrs SA gives women a platform to gather and uplift each other and I am hoping to use these new-found connections to pursue my goals of making an impact in society,’ said Zondi.

The social sciences researcher, who works at the Human Sciences Research Council’s Developmental, Capable, and Ethical State division, is not only a wife and a mother, but also the founder of her own company; Wordy Academic which has evolved into a foundation. Through her company, Zondi offers free consultations and mentorship to students pursuing higher academic degrees.

Wordy Foundation participates in various local economic development initiatives which are a response to locality-specific development problems,’ said Zondi.

She added that this year (2023), the foundation aims to contribute positively to improving South Africa’s declining literacy rate through various community engagement initiatives.

‘There is a reading crisis in South Africa, whereby only 18% of children in Grade four can read for meaning, and it’s estimated that this cohort is a full year behind same-age children from 2019. This is why the Wordy Foundation is embarking on an initiative to help learners read for meaning through book drives and donations (of books) in different localities within Durban. There is a need to build capabilities of the young; they are the future and will participate in development matters and the transformation we wish to see. We are hoping that sponsors and brand partners collaborate with us so that we can achieve more.’

To vote for Zondi follow and like the Mrs South Africa Instagram page: @ mrs_south_africa and Facebook: MrsSouthAfrica/ or sms Thobeka Zondi to 47587.

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph: Supplied