Our Caitlin a Mrs SA finalist

KNYSNA NEWS - Former Knysnarian and Knysna Primary and Knysna High School alumnus Caitlin Chetty has been included in the list of finalists for the 2023 Mrs South Africa competition. She was named as one of the Top 30 candidates at the competition's first-ever semi-final showcase event.

The showcase was held on Friday 7 July at the famous Theatre of Marcellus in Johannesburg.

Guests who attended the semi-finalist showcase were treated to an evening of elegance, talent and inspiration, including a black-tie VIP pre-party with renowned MC Jo-Ann Strauss.

The contestants then showed off their dazzling evening wear. Finally, the judges' Top 30 finalists were announced, and Caitlin was one of the lucky few.

One aspect that makes her achievement of reaching the finalists all the more special is that Caitlin has never before been involved in modelling or pageantry. This is her first-ever pageant and foray into the modelling world.

A special competition

This year's panel of judges included well-known figures such as former Mrs South Africa queens, Matapa Maila and Jacqueline Ferns, Dr Fezile Mkhize and Catherine Constantinides. Caitlin indicated that being a finalist is a dream come true.

"I am particularly passionate about teaching and supporting people of all ages to develop and unleash their potential through dance, and was inspired to join the programme after seeing this journey as a conduit to broaden my reach and make a greater impact on my community," she said.

"The Mrs South Africa programme has been a life-transforming journey. It has supported and nurtured my growth as a woman and I am excited to continue this journey and collaborate with other young, dynamic entrepreneurs in my community. Together, we have the opportunity to uplift and empower each other through this amazing platform."

Caitlin's roots in Knysna

Despite no longer calling Knysna her permanent home, Caitlin is a Knysnarian at heart. She was born in Cape Town, where she spent the first seven years of her life before she and her family moved to Knysna in 1997.

She attended Knysna Primary School and then Knysna High School, from which she matriculated in 2007. Caitlin left Knysna in 2008 to pursue a career in civil engineering/road construction. However, her family still call Knysna home and she often comes back to visit.

The next step lies in wait

The grand finale, where one finalist will be crowned the new Dallmayr Mrs South Africa, will be held on 17 November.

"We were simply amazed by the remarkable talent and dedication of each of this year's Top 30 finalists, and we look forward to welcoming them on the next stage of their Dallmayr Mrs South Africa journey," says Joani Johnson, CEO of Mrs South Africa.

"Their strength, resilience, and determination in pursuing their dreams truly serve as an example to all women and girls, and we're proud to be a part of a new chapter in their stories."

Mrs South Africa is the country's leading pageant for married women, offering participants a renowned self-development programme, as well as the opportunity to positively impact their communities.

Through mentorship, leadership training, workshops and personal development, the pageant empowers its contestants with the skills and tools necessary to effect meaningful societal change.

The 30 dazzling ladies who are this year's Mrs South Africa's finalists.