Thandi Vilakazi, a proud daughter of Qwaqwa’s Namahadi village, has overcome incredible hardships to become a finalist in the Mrs. Bold South Africa 2024 competition. Her story is one of strength, resilience, and dedication to helping others. Thandi, the third of six children, grew up facing tough challenges. Her father abandoned the family when she was just seven years old, leaving her mother and stepfather to raise her. She attended Namahadi Primary School and then Dikwena Senior Secondary School.
Today, Thandi works as a Surveillance Officer at Emperors Palace. Her workplace has been a huge support in her journey, providing her with opportunities to share her experiences and inspire others.
Thandi’s life has been marked by great loss. She was widowed twice—first in 2006 when her husband was killed in a car accident, and again in 2020 when her second husband died suddenly from an illness. These tragedies led to severe depression, requiring a three-month stay in a psychiatric hospital. Thandi also faces the challenge of infertility, which has been a difficult and emotional journey.
Inspired by the mission of Mrs. Bold South Africa, Thandi has taken up the cause of supporting widows, divorcees, body-shamed individuals, and single mothers. She plans to hold seminars on anxiety, depression, and grief to offer hope and support to those in need.
Thandi is actively involved in her community, visiting rehabilitation centers, homes for the disabled, and orphanages. These experiences have shown her the power of giving back.
Thandi dreams of opening a center where women can share their struggles and get professional help. She also wants to support young people facing life’s challenges by creating platforms that address their needs.
Through Mrs. Bold South Africa, Thandi has learned to accept herself and break free from societal labels. She encourages women to seek help and support, stressing that ignoring pain only leads to more suffering. Her message is simple: it’s not about how you start, but how you finish. Thandi urges women to dream big and break barriers, no matter what society says.
Thandi Vilakazi’s story is a powerful example of resilience and hope. Her journey shows the importance of community, support, and the courage to overcome life’s hardest challenges.
By Ncamiso Dlamini
