My journey began as a semi-finalist, on 5th March 2022, when I was announced virtually on the Mrs. South Africa official Instagram page, along with the other beautiful, sophisticated and married women from all overSouth Africa, and attended a self-development workshop held at EmperorsPalace, to prepare the class of 2022 for the road ahead.
Mrs. South Africa is a journey based on pillars of Self-Development, Community Work, Networking, and Business, and has gained the reputation of connecting like-minded women and equipping them for success in all areas of their lives. At its core, this is a platform that celebrates authentic, relatable, and modern South African women. Mrs. South Africa recognizes the value of marriage and the essence of being a “Bonafide” woman.
The program was created for married women who would ordinarily not have such a platform to compete and be ambassadors for South Africa, on a global scale. The opportunities and platforms that have been created for Mrs. SouthAfrica entrants are significant in every way and it truly creates a ripple effect across our beautiful country. Throughout the journey, women discover themselves again and learn that they are never too old to follow their dreams and become voices of change.
I am ecstatic and truly humbled to have been chosen as a Mrs. South Africa2022 Semi-finalist. As a GBV and Cancer Survivor, this opportunity gives me the platform to create awareness for prevention, and how women should use their past challenges to develop them into being stronger, more powerful, and resilient women. If I save just one life by spreading awareness, I am making a difference. Scars are beautiful!!
Olka Bolka Magazine did an interview with Tasnim to find out more about her:
Tell our readers where you were born and raised, and where do you currently live?
I was born a raised in a suburb called Wentworth in Durban. Moved to JHB when I was 16 and currently reside in Florida Park.
What did you do after Matric?
Started work and was lucky that the CEO saw potential in me and paid for my Marketing Diploma. I worked for various chemical industries as a marketing manager then in 2016 started at BASF as a Communications and Quality Systems Manager.
What profession do you practice?
Quality Specialist
Tell us about yourself in a nutshell?
I am a Breast Cancer (5 years in remission now) and GBV survivor. I am courageous and confident but more important a Mrs. SA 2022 Semifinalist.
A 49-year-old mom of 2 kids and married to my best friend.
How did you experience 2020 up to now in 2022?
Covid has been tough on everyone but luckily for me, I work for an international company so we were not affected too harshly. The one thing I appreciate about COVID is the remote working that most companies see works well. I am pro-vaccine and had the jab as soon as it was available. Haven’t had covid… as yet.
What made you decide to participate in Mrs. South Africa?
I’ve always loved the glitz and glamour of pageantry as a young girl. Life happened and about 3 years ago I started seeing advertising for Mrs. SA and thought this was an excellent opportunity for me to do what I’ve always wanted. A few weeks into the pageant and I realised that creating awareness about breast cancer and GBV which I’m so passionate about was what I always wanted to do but didn’t know-how. This platform has given me this opportunity to talk to females detailing my experiences and giving them hope that it’s never too late for anything.
Which Charity would you like to support?
Cancer without a doubt.
What is your vision should you win?
To continue creating awareness of breast cancer and GBV. Women need to know that they are not alone with their fears. In doing so I will create more awareness for the pageant.
Tell us something no one knows about you?
I’m a people’s person… I love life and dancing.
I am also a novelty baker which I do part-time for birthdays and weddings.
What inspires you?
Seeing others happy
What’s on your bucket list?
Currently to win the title
What is your WHY in life?
I questioned a lot about my life during my months of receiving cancer treatment from 2016 – 2017 and realised that why not me. I’m not any different or special. Using my past experiences to create awareness and being a beacon of hope completes me.
When is your birthday?
3 April 1973
What is your favorite:
Type of Music
Singers – RnB… anything old school
Tape
Favorite song – Best things in life are free – Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson
Film – HEAT
Actors – the late Sean Connery and Liam Neeson
Series – anything criminal like CSI, Law & Order
Food and drink – Biryani is my favourite comfort food. I drink loads of tea – must be five roses.
Relaxation – watching Netflix or modeling my fondant
Book – ‘Girl, Stop Apologizing,’ by Rachel Hollis
Holiday destination – Mossel Bay
Color – Red
What do you dislike – name 4 things?
Dishonest
Lies
Bragging
Nastiness
Where can people find and follow you?
IG – tasnimyoungnorris
FB – Tasnim Luciana Young-Norris
