Former Miss SA empowers women

Former Miss South Africa and businesswoman Joan Ramagoshi Madibeng will host the second Women, the Real Architects of Society event on 18 August at the SAX Arena in Irene, Pretoria.

We chatted to Ramagoshi Madibeng about the event.

What was your goal in starting Women, the Real Architects of Society?

To empower women with the necessary tools they can use in their daily lives, both at work and at home. When you educate a woman, you educate a nation. It’s my way of celebrating them, the contribution they make in our country, in business and at home. My goal is to go bigger every year, inspire more women and make a small contribution in their lives. Women as the Architects of Society has a corporate social investment element to it, so I'm also hoping that every year I will be able to touch those less fortunate with a percentage of the funds raised from the event.


What issues will be discussed at the event this year and who are the speakers?

• Business and skills development
• Finance
• Balancing career and home
• Grooming and etiquette
• Make-up and hair tips
• Health and nutrition
• Women, the real architects of society
• Fashion show

Speakers include pioneer businesswoman Dr Anna Mokgokong, screen siren Connie Ferguson, personal and corporate image consultant Marina Prinsloo, health talk-show host Dr Victor Ramathesele and celebrity stylist Nthato Mashishi.

Why have you chosen SOS Mamelodi Village as your charity?
I support a lot of organisations, but I have personally adopted a house with nine children at the SOS village and I look after their needs. The house needs painting and I have to fix the bathrooms, among other things. They are very special kids, I love them dearly.


Your life motto is "Love. Inspire. Make a difference." Why?
I challenge myself to do something special every day. Not only for myself, for others. I believe as a country we should try to love more, let our actions inspire others and make a difference to other’s lives. With a smile, a kind word, we can build a better society with responsible and confident kids. So I urge everyone to love, inspire and make a difference.


You run the Dynamic School of Grooming. Do you just teach youngsters how to look good?
My school goes beyond looks. We teach young people about the importance of self-esteem and communications skills, important skills to have if you are to survive in the work environment. We also teach them to "unleash the power within.”


You launched you career on the back of your Miss South Africa title. Do you think looks are important for one's success?
I used the Miss SA pageant as a platform to build my career. I am still in contact with some of the people I met during my reign. So I wouldn't say it was my looks. It's important that you look after yourself; when you look good, you exude confidence and it boosts your self-esteem. How you look is what people notice first before you say anything. So looks are important.

* The event will run from 10am - 5pm. Lunch will be served. Brian Temba will provide entertainment, while guests will be spoiled with goodie bags and giveaways. Charismatic broadcaster Thami Ngubeni will direct the programme. Tickets cost R350 per person. Table bookings are available. For information and tickets, email info@joanmadibeng.com or call 010 591 2867.