UJ Education student crowned Mrs Africa 2018 1st Princess and Mrs Africa 2018 Tourism Earth

Mrs Diana Robertson-Tsotetsi, a full-time University of Johannesburg (UJ) Master’s student and teacher in her community, was crowned Mrs Africa 2018 1st Princess and Mrs Africa 2018 Tourism Earth. Her love for community engagement projects contributed to her winning the title.

In the run-up to her crowning, Mrs Robertson-Tsotetsi attended over 50 charity community development initiatives – showing her commitment and involvement. She is passionate about empowering women and girls with education programmes. She initiated reading session at a community library in Eldorado Park, and offers career guidance to high school learners.

Mrs Robertson-Tsotetsi encourages women to speak out about gender-based violence during her community engagement talks in communities.

“I entered the competition to reinvent myself, give other women a voice and help people build better communities. This competition enabled me to address issues that women do not speak mostly about. I want to inspire other students, wives and community change agents,” says Mrs Robertson-Tsotetsi.

About winning the title, she says “With the title comes a huge responsibility as I plan to make a difference through the platform. I intend to start my own foundation with a core focus on reading and to create other platforms for women to share their stories and educate young women to continue empowering themselves even after they are married. We all have the power to change our lives, other people’s lives and our communities for the better.”

Mrs Robertson-Tsotetsi says she will be competing in the international event next year. “This was my first pageant and I hope that my story has inspired people to believe that nothing is impossible if the will to do well is there.”