Tidimalo Tlhabi, a seasoned accountant and pageant director, has spent over 16 years in the pageant industry, combining her financial expertise with a passion for empowering girls. With a BCom in law, a BCom honours degree in accounting, and certifications as a professional accountant and chartered company secretary, Tlhabi brings a unique blend of skills to her work. Her accounting career has taught her the importance of attention to detail, discipline, and financial responsibility.
Tlhabi's commitment to investing in girls was recognised when she won the Gauteng Woman of the Year award in the investing in girls category in 2021. She regards this achievement as one of her proudest moments, alongside facilitating trips for 50 girls to compete in the United States, where five of them became international winners. This experience has reinforced her motivation to create opportunities for girls while encouraging them to recognise their potential.
At the centre of Tlhabi's leadership is International Junior Miss South Africa, which she describes as a platform where every girl can shine, irrespective of the colour of her skin. Tlhabi has witnessed girls grow during the bootcamp week and become better versions of themselves. Her goal is to create a space where girls can develop confidence and build their self-esteem.
Tlhabi's days reflect the balancing act of a working professional, entrepreneur, and mother. They include accounting work, meetings on pageant sponsorships and collaborations, followed by helping her children with homework and taking them to extramurals. Despite the demands of her multiple roles, Tlhabi remains focused on her vision of empowering girls.
Tlhabi's philosophy is captured in her belief that a crown is not merely placed on a head but on a purpose. She believes that every girl has the potential to become more than she imagined, and her goal is to create confidence and open doors for them. Her leadership journey has taught her that people do not always share the same vision, but she remains driven by her passion.
Through International Junior Miss South Africa, Tlhabi has created a platform for girls to develop their skills and build their confidence. Her experience has shown her that with the right support and guidance, girls can achieve great things. Tlhabi's work is a testament to the power of empowering girls and giving them the tools they need to succeed.
As Tlhabi looks to the future, she remains committed to her vision of creating opportunities for girls. With her unique blend of financial expertise and pageant experience, she is well-positioned to continue making a positive impact in the lives of young women. Her story serves as an inspiration to girls and women everywhere, showing that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
Key points
- Tlhabi has empowered 50 girls to compete in the United States, resulting in five international winners.
- She won the Gauteng Woman of the Year award in the investing in girls category in 2021.
- Tlhabi has spent over 16 years in the pageant industry, combining her financial expertise with a passion for empowering girls.
