We’ve searched for finalists and we found eight for the Get It Cover Search 2025, made possible by Kryolan Free State.
The wait is finally over and we are delighted to introduce the diverse group of Bloemfontein women who have a story to tell and are involved in their community. Afterall, an attractive face wasn’t the only thing we were looking for.
Here they are…
Thulisa Mangcotywa, a dedicated public relations specialist, is driven by a deep love for her community and a strong belief that education is the most powerful tool for change. Through her company, Thulisa works to inspire and empower young people by connecting them with essential educational resources. Growing up in the Eastern Cape, she quickly realised the challenges young people face when they don’t understand their “why”. Her passion lies in ensuring that youth are aware of the resources available to them, helping them unlock their full potential. Thulisa has played a lasting role in the educational sector, making a significant impact on the lives of many. Her determination to succeed was nurtured by her late grandmother, who raised her.
Veronica Monyake is a proud mom, wife, and professional event planner, dedicated to creating meaningful and memorable experiences that bring people and communities together. Her journey of purpose began at just 13 years old, when she started serving her local community – an experience that shaped her passion for making a difference. Veronica believes that with passion and commitment, anyone can create lasting change. She is especially passionate about inspiring the next generation, and hopes to leave behind a legacy of confidence, purpose, and bold ambition. Her greatest inspiration is her father, who, from a young age, encouraged her to chase her dreams fearlessly, a lesson she carries with her to this day.
Udéne Jordan, mother of four, wife, and business owner, embodies resilience, faith, and the power of turning pain into purpose. Raised in Heidedal, she grew up facing poverty, violence, and hardship, yet rose above it all to build two impactful ventures: Resonant Kreativ Designs and RaritybyU. RaritybyU is more than a brand; it’s a storytelling platform that Udéne says is “100% part of her DNA”. She credits God, her children, and her beloved grandmother for shaping the woman she is today. She is most proud of staying true to herself, navigating mental health challenges, and using her journey to advocate for mental wellness in others.
Chanel van Zyl describes herself as devoted, entrepreneurial, creative, and family-focused. A proud mother to a 3- and 6-year-old, she balances life as a successful real estate agent and the owner of her own online jewellery store. Chanel embodies the modern woman – gracefully juggling business, creativity, and motherhood. Her journey is about finding joy and purpose in every role she plays. Passionate about empowering women, Chanel hopes her story shows that no matter the challenges, anything is possible. Losing her father at the age of 10, she credits her mother, who raised her and her siblings with unwavering strength, as her greatest influence and lifelong role model. “She’s still my go-to girl.”
Boipelo Malope, born and bred in Bloemfontein, is a self-employed professional who describes herself as compassionate and visionary. With a background in wellness and fashion, she has made a bold transition into the tech industry, determined to show the world that anything is possible when you approach it with an intentional mindset. Her parents have been instrumental in shaping the woman she is today, especially her father, with whom she shared a special bond. Though her father passed away in 2023, Boipelo credits him with inspiring her resilience and determination. She believes her father would have wanted her to continue striving for her best and pursuing her passions.
Janine Cronje is the proud owner of her own real estate agency and a true Bloemfonteiner. She describes herself as positive, friendly, and deeply committed to her community, often seen as a people’s person with a strong faith at her core. Janine embodies the hard work, ambition, and resilience required to succeed as a woman in business. Her journey has been one of personal growth, overcoming challenges, and fostering community connections. A key source of inspiration is her father, who has always been her biggest motivator. She fondly recalls the day he reminded her, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, and that God will never place anything on her path that she cannot overcome.
Agnes Puseletso Mokhali is a passionate woman who approaches everything with heart and authenticity. She embraces her imperfections, believing that they have shaped her into the woman she is today. As the founder of a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women and children, Agnes focuses on mental health, entrepreneurship, wellness, and education. Over the past five years, her organisation has touched hundreds of lives across the Free State and beyond, launching school leadership programmes, youth business incubators, and monthly mentorship clubs. Agnes wants to be remembered as a fearless woman who gave her all in everything she did.
Suanita Botha, an intensive care unit registered nurse, describes herself first and foremost as a loving mother to two wonderful girls and the proud wife of her best friend. She believes deeply in the power of showing up in every aspect of life. In 2020, she bravely volunteered to care for the first Covid-19 patient flown into the Free State, and her dedication was recognised when she was named Nurse of the Year in 2022. Suanita lives by a saying her grandmother used to share whenever they did something kind: “My child, don’t expect anything now, but you’ll get pearls in heaven.”
Compiled by Sazly Moses Photographs: Clement Matroos
