By Siphelele Buthelezi

The word 'pageants' is usually associated with young and single women. But listen up, gone are those days. I am talking about Mrs South Africa. Yes that's right- there is now a dedicated pageant for married women in South Africa.
 
Twenty three sophisticated women have been chosen as finalists for this year’s Mrs South Africa to be held at Emperors Palace on 8 August.

 
I spoke to finalist Tamara Booi about this antastic experience.
 
Tamara is a Marketing Graduate who has also completed her post-grad diploma in Marketing Management and holds a certificate in Media Studies majoring in TV presenting.

Tamara is the founder and managing director at TEM Events and co-owns a Marketing and Branding company called Village Seeds while also working as radio presenter on entertainment news for uMhlobo wenene FM.
 
Hi Tamara and welcome to ZAlebs.

Hi, Thank you

Congratulations on being a finalist of MRS SA, how does it feel?

Thank you so much. It's a wonderful experience and a great opportunity. I feel blessed to be competing amongst such talented
group of great women.

Have you always been a model?

Yes. I started modelling at the age of 5. When I got married at 23, I changed my focus and invested my time into starting my family.

Please explain to those who don't know: how does the pageant work and do people get to vote or do judges decide who the winner is?
Judges decide who wins.  However, the public has the opportunity to vote for their favourite choice.  The voter's choice will be crowned "Mrs Public Choice".  They can SMS "Tamara Booi" TO:  35959, SMS cost R3

What are the differences between MRS SA and MISS SA?
Mrs South Africa is about married women. Business women who are role models in their communities. They are mothers & wives who still find time to look good and stay fit.  The pageant is about bonafide women who are comfortable in whom they truly are.

What motivated you to enter and what are you hoping to achieve?
My dream when growing up was to enter Miss South Africa.  When I came across Mrs SA I thought, "I can still have an opportunity to represent South Africa on a global pageant stage."  I want to use the platform to inspire women in marriages to never let go of themselves. I also want to motivate young girls who want a career in modelling but fear that marriage would stop them from realizing their dreams.  Lastly and most importantly, I want to use the platform to build Tamara Booi as a brand.

How do you look after your body?

I strive for a consistent healthy diet - eating clean is a lifestyle I chose to adopt.  I also go to gym at least 5 times a week for an hour.

Being a mom, wife plus a business woman is a full time job, how do you juggle all three? 

I am very clear when it comes to my priorities. I have created a life hierarchy, where everything I am about is ranked according to itslevel of importance.  Everyday I thrive to stay true to this hierarchy.

Tell me about your family, how do you spend time together?
 
I am happily married to my husband Songezo Booi.  We've been married for six years and are blessed with two children - Songita (5) and Imani (2).  Generally, a week for us is filled with work commitments. However, weekends are locked for family time.  We like going out for dinner & to play outings with the kids.  We also enjoy family weekend get aways and overseas holidays.  Creating family memories is very fulfilling for us.

I've noticed that you're also a motivational speaker for  married couples, why did you decide to take on such a path?
I married young and the only thing I knew really when I got married was that I love my husband.  I started the Couples Retreat as an informative vehicle not only for others but for myself first. Marriage is no longer valued in our times. Couples Retreat exists to
restore marriage dignity as I believe it is still the fundamental foundation of a moral & cultured nation.

Lastly, what is the recipe for a healthy and long marriage?
I am still feeding off wisdom from people who have been married long. From my six year experience, I learnt that mutual respect, commitment and trust are very important pillars of a healthy marriage.