Less than a year ago, Talitha Oosthuizen stood in a room with a hundred of the most impressive women in the country, hopeful for what the Mrs South Africa journey would hold, the growth she would achieve, and the lifelong friendships she would develop. Little did she know that come Friday, 14 November 2025, she would be donning the Second Princess crown and sash on stage at the Theatre of Marcellus in Emperors Palace.
“When I entered the Mrs South Africa programme, I merely expected personal growth with confidence and presentation, but what I found was complete transformation – rediscovering purpose and resilience. Along the way, my voice grew louder, my purpose became clearer, and the impact to support real change became more profound,” says Oosthuizen.
Raised in Edenvale, Johannesburg, Oosthuizen has made a life for herself as an Entrepreneur in the fields of tourism and manufacturing, marketing and finance. However, in the past few years, she felt the growing urge to reach out and do more, while expanding her own professional abilities and personal horizons. She knew that Mrs South Africa would be the perfect platform to help achieve her goals.
A platform that strengthens purpose
“I now have a commitment to lead with heart and purpose. Mrs South Africa became the bridge between passion for what I love and impact for positive change.”
During her reign as 2nd Princess for Mrs South Africa 2026, Oosthuizen will focus on upskilling youth with an organisation called Skills Passport and she will work with Bush Whisper Foundation to raise funds for Shattering shackles in the fight against Human trafficking.
Shattering Shackles is a South African NGO that provides direct support for survivors of human trafficking. As the Gauteng Ambassador, Oosthuizen’s mission is to encourage South Africans to contribute towards the organisation of which funds will help to contract investigators and psychologists, provide safe housing, food, and other essentials. Through this partnership, Oosthuizen continues to advocate for awareness, action and hope, because every life deserves freedom.
The Mrs South Africa programme is known as a catalyst for women who want to build stronger community platforms, refine their leadership direction or establish charitable initiatives with long-term impact, and is affectionately described as the “MBA of Life”. Many Alumni continue their work long after the competition ends, using the networks built and skills gained throughout the course of the programme to shape meaningful projects.
According to Joani Jacobs, CEO of Mrs South Africa, “Our pageant aims to create a space where women from all walks of life can grow at their own pace, and rediscover their inner-power. The programme is designed to challenge every participant to understand what she stands for and how she intends to show up for her community, and it’s that clarity of intention that ultimately shapes the women who rise to the top.
“Oosthuizen embraced every opportunity this year to prove her dedication to growing into who she was always meant to be and becoming an example for women and girls all over South Africa. She is a shining example of what we’re looking for in this programme.”
To other women considering entering the 2026 programme, she offers encouragement:
“To enter the Mrs South Africa pageant is not just to compete, but to rediscover yourself. ‘It’s not about perfection – it’s about finding true purpose and courage to step forward, to heal, to grow, and to believe that your story matters. Because it’s never too late to chase your dreams and become the woman you were meant to be.’”
Entries for the 2026 pageant are open on the Mrs South Africa website.
The 2025 Grand Finale was made possible by Mrs South Africa’s incredible sponsors: iME, PR Worx, Chery Krugersdorp, Skin Renewal, Lamelle, Hirsch’s Home store, Brentoni Eyewear, BTL Aesthetics, Slimz, PKF Octagon, Hotel Sky, iStyle, Hair Academy of South Africa, Alberton, Pont de Val, Action Coach, Collagen Lift Paris, Catrice, Vitalefemme, Busamed,Health Food Emporium with Nutriseed, Alvi Armani, Brand SA and Dotsure
