Today, Jo-Ann Strauss, the former Miss South Africa (2000) who wears many successful hats as a South African media personality, philanthropist, model, businesswoman and a mother of 4, celebrates her 40th birthday today.
In the year 2000, as a young, ambitious and absolutely gorgeous 19-year-old student, Jo-Ann Strauss tried her luck at the Miss South Africa national beauty contest and won. There has been no looking back since.
As one of South Africa's most valued media personalities, Jo-Ann uses her personality and standing to support and create initiatives to help other people.
As she celebrates her special day, here’s a look at what she has been up to.
Michael Held and Jo-Ann Strauss welcomes their newborn
On Mother’s Day, dressed in a chic Khosi Nkosi outfit and a face mask, Jo-Ann Strauss announced that she was pregnant.
"Being a mother is something I will never take for granted. And being blessed with our fourth baby later this year is beyond our wildest dreams...It is a surreal time to be expecting, a truly strange time to experience joy and hope when the world has changed so much. I am grateful that our little one is in a safe place and that her/ his brother and sisters are already so protective and excited."
After giving birth to her beautiful baby girl, she took to Instagram to say this:
"Our little one arrived safe and sound on her daddy's birthday. As far as gifting goes, I think she takes the cake 🎂 😉 Thank you for keeping us in your prayers and for your kind wishes. We are still in our little love bubble and slowly re-entering reality, but for now, this blissful bubble is just what we needed to get to know each other."
After hosting the Afrikaans lifestyle and celebrity show Pasella, Jo-Ann Strauss hosted the Saturday lifestyle called Top Billing. On this show she hosted celebrities like Sir Elton John, Sir Richard Branson, Donatella Versace, Charlize Theron, Princess Charlene of Monaco, among others.
Her title as Miss South Africa earned Jo-Ann the global appreciation and partnerships with prominent humanitarian organizations besides the obvious employment, and opportunities to engage in business investments.
In 2008, Jo-Ann Strauss spearheaded the Princess Project to give young girls that graduate, the opportunity to attend their "Matric Balls" or "Proms" in stylish dresses owned earlier, by South Africa's top celebrities. In 2010, she partnered with the International Fashion Sale to reach more young ladies in SA.
She's most certainly been a shining beacon for a number of ladies that look up to her and the future looks bright for her too.
