“This journey is not just about a crown – it’s about using the platform to make a difference.”
So says Samantha Gillion, a businesswoman and author from Hawston, who has advanced to the finals of the Mrs South Africa 2025 competition.
Gillion, who published the book Love Says at the end of 2021, said even though she had never been interested in beauty pageants as a young girl she decided to enter the Mrs SA competition because it provides the perfect platform for her to empower women on their journey “to discovering their God-given confidence” and to inspire them “to live boldy, love deeply and lead with purpose”.
“The Mrs SA competition is a really amazing platform where we get to meet exceptional women who are so diverse and inspiring. It shows that women have a purpose in every season of their life. I am deeply passionate about empowering women to discover their God-given confidence and embrace their true worth in Jesus.
“I love writing, reading, mentoring young women and spending meaningful time with my family. My life’s mission is to inspire others to live boldly, love deeply and lead with purpose.”
Being one of the top 30 finalists, Gillion said, entails a lot of hard work. “Official sponsors of the competition provide their products and services to the finalists and we have to promote it.”
Following months of preparation, charity work and public appearances she is now preparing for one of her biggest steps yet; hosting a fundraising masterclass in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), while also vying for the prestigious Mrs South Africa People’s Choice Award.
The mother of two explained she was inspired to host a fundraiser in aid of Cansa in memory of her aunt, who died at a young age after valiantly fighting breast cancer and also her mother-inlaw Christine Gillion who has beaten the dreaded disease twice.
“I have seen how hard it can be on the patients and their families,” she stated.
The event, titled “Crowned in Confidence – Walking Fully Loved”, will be held at Benguela Cove Wine estate on Friday 3 October from 09:00 to 12:00 and will feature the well-known speaker and image consultant Aletté Winckler.
Gillion will also share details of her journey and her book with guests. For every copy of her book that is sold at the event one copy will be donated to a young woman.
“This journey is not just about a crown; it’s about using the platform to make a difference. Through this event we’re raising funds for Cansa and creating an empowering space for women to embrace confidence and walk fully loved.”
Tickets can be booked online at www.primeperceptions.co.za. The ticket price includes light refreshments.
You can also support Gillion by voting for her in the People’s Choice Awards category by sending an SMS with the name Samantha Gillion to 47587. Each sms costs R3 (free smses do not apply).
