24/06/2024
Thank you ALEX FM 89.1 & Muntu Ka Mbanjwa for a delightful interview last night.
For those of you who missed it, you can watch the full interview here.
Talking all things pageantry & sharing my love of the industry.
For those of you who don’t know me, here is a little information & history.
**Carolyn Botha: A Legacy in Pageantry and Community Service**
Carolyn Botha, the esteemed CEO of Pageants SA and Africa Pageants, has dedicated over 40 years to the pageantry and modeling world. Her career is marked by significant accomplishments and contributions, both within the industry and beyond.
Carolyn’s journey began with her triumph as the South African Drum Majorette Champion during her high school years. She furthered her education by earning a diploma in Beauty Therapy, which paved the way for her role as a Regional Manager for Justine Cosmetics. In this capacity, she managed over 50 agents, showcasing her leadership skills early on.
Carolyn then ventured into the business sector, where she built the largest windscreen repair and replacement company in South Africa. Under her leadership, the company achieved the first recognition of SABS approval for windscreens manufactured outside South Africa. As a wholesaler of over 5,000 windscreens across the country, her business acumen was well established. However, after selling the windscreen business, Carolyn returned to her true passion in 1998: pageantry.
Renowned worldwide, Carolyn has garnered several prestigious accolades. These include an Olympic Gold Medal from the President of Bulgaria, an Honorary Award from the World League of Beauty & Fashion in Turkey, the Phenomenal African Woman Award, and the World Class Excellence Award from Japan.
Carolyn’s educational background in modeling and pageantry is impressive. She holds a Transvaal Education Department Diploma in Modelling & Pageantry and an International diploma from Epic International. These qualifications, coupled with her extensive experience, have earned her the title of “Mother of Pageantry” in Africa and across the globe.
For the past 26 years, as the CEO of Africa Pageants and Pageants SA, Carolyn has been instrumental in crowning over 8,000 titleholders who have achieved international acclaim. Her influence extends to all age groups, from children to married women, and her efforts have significantly impacted the pageantry landscape.
Beyond pageantry, Carolyn’s initiatives have positively affected millions. Through the power of the sash, she has provided aid to over 5 million people, funded 19 operations for endemic goiter disease patients, and supported communities in Mozambique and other African countries. Her distribution of over 100,000 packs of Dignity Dreams washable sanitary wear across Southern Africa highlights her commitment to improving lives.
Carolyn’s passion for pageantry is evident in her dedication to judging international pageants in countries such as the USA, Bulgaria, Turkey, Russia, and Ecuador. She holds trademarks for over 50 national titles and international directorships for more than 30 global pageants, underscoring her unique expertise in the industry.
Carolyn Botha’s life is a testament to her unwavering dedication to pageantry and community service. Her legacy is one of excellence, compassion, and significant contributions to the lives of many across the world.
