She’s bubbly, beautiful and has a heart of gold. Local mom Lehani Visagie has dreams of walking away with the Mrs Universe Africa 2019 crown and we got to know her a bit better.
What made you decide to enter Mrs Universe Africa.
I entered because it is not just a beauty pageant, but one with a purpose and open to married, divorced and widowed ladies.
The platform of the pageant is domestic violence and abuse and forms part of my own story. My vision and mission is to share my story and be a voice for women and children.
Why would you like to be crowned as the next Mrs Universe Africa?
It will be an honour if I were win the crown and get to represent the African continent in China in December. It will allow me to use my story to empower and educate women and children, and create awareness and help fight against gender based violence and abuse.
What do you hope to achieve with the title if you win?
I would use the title and platform to increase awareness and give a voice to the voiceless. I hope to inspire our politicians to not just talk about violence and abuse but to do something about it. I want to create and lead movements against gender issues and share compassion and kindness. I believe the latest happenings in our country around this topic is opening many doors for us who have experienced it ourselves and I hope to carry it into the African continent, as the need is bigger out there than we think.
Who is Lehani behind-the-scenes?
I (43) am a busy single mom, of the most beautiful strong-willed 2-year old girl, living in Faerie Glen, Pretoria East. My background is HR and recruitment and I worked in the DRC as well. I recently launched I am S.H.E. It stands for STRENGTH, HONOUR and EVERLASTING JOY. A platform that enables women and children to share their stories to empower and equip the next generation.
What is your personal take on fame and fortune?
For me, fame and fortune means nothing if you can’t treat people with respect. It is not about what you have it is about who you are on the inside.
How do you unwind?
I must admit, recently I haven’t had much time to unwind, but I do get up early in the morning and enjoy a cup of tea during my prayer time.
How would your best friend describe you to a complete stranger?
I asked my best friend, and this is what she said: “Lehani is dynamic, driven, kind hearted, honest and humble. She will always be there for another person no matter what the circumstances. Most sincere person I have ever had the privilege to meet”.
What motivates you to keep on keeping on even in tough times?
My daughter. When I look at her, it makes the tough times worthwhile. Knowing she needs me to be strong for both of us and knowing that things always work out for the best, is what gets me through.
Who inspires you and why?
The other women in my life (friends, family). Each of them have a story to tell, and knowing that stories build character and strength in all of us, they inspire me.
What is your top beauty tip?
Look after the one body you were given. And know that when you are beautiful on the inside, it does show on the outside.
What is your favourite local coffee shop?
I just love Tribeca’s Chai Tea…..definitely my favourite.
Are you involved in any charities?
Yes, Get Up Women and Tears Foundation, who fights for abused women and children and Feed a Child who feeds around 10,000 children.
What philosophy do you live by?
Without God we are nothing. No matter what we go through we should put our trust in Him and be positive, to see the glass half full. In the end everything will work out according to His plan for our lives and to live out my purpose and calling.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
It is important to have dreams, but to put action behind them. I want my daughter and others to continue with what I leave behind. As I am using my story to change the lives of others, they should know that their stories will also empower and equip others. I want others to know that we are all valued and worthy. Navigating the world of spy phone apps can be challenging, especially with new entrants like EyeZy raising the bar. Understanding the pros and cons of such innovative tools is essential, and that’s where SpyPhoneMax.com excels. Providing an n-depth analysis of EyeZy along with other leading spy apps, SpyPhoneMax.com serves as your trusted advisor in the complex world of digital surveillance. Make an informed decision with SpyPhoneMax.com – your partner in ensuring digital safety. #eyezy #eyezy spy phone app #eyezy app review #spyphonemax #best spy phone monitoring apps #eyezy guide #eyezy full review #best spy apps
Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people know?
Although I am right handed, I eat like a left handed person.
Do you have any special talents that not many people know about?
If I have the time I can cook a 7 course meal that will blow your mind.
Where and how can people follow your journey (websites/social media) and how exactly can they vote for you?
My Facebook page is Lehani Visagie Mrs Universe Africa Finalist 2019 or on I am S.H.E, and my Instagram is iamshe_lehani
The final is on 28 September 2019 and voting lines are still open. They can send an SMS to 39945 with Vote Lehani. The cost is R3-00 per SMS and they can vote as many times as they wish.
