About me
My name is Janine Pretorius. I am honoured to be selected as a Mrs Africa 2021 Finalist.
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I was born in Welkom, in the Free State, raised in Bloemfontein. I currently stay in Krugersdorp, Gauteng with my husband and son, Juan who is 4 years old.
I am a teacher by qualification, entrepreneur and businesswoman by passion.
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I am also the owner of Janine Pretorius Photography.
Why did I enter Mrs Africa? I am beyond excited to have a platform to raise awareness about a few issues in our country. I didn’t enter just to possibly win a title, but for the platform that a sash can give someone. Africa pageants aren’t just about beauty, but about charity, passion and love.
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I didn’t grow up rich. I have an amazing family, but I had a lot of obstacles to overcome as a young girl. There were many days where I had to depend on the charity of other people. Even though I had a difficult time growing up, I was taught that I am valuable, special and that I can change the world around me. I will never let my past define who I am. I can look past my childhood and grow as an adult and achieve wonderful things.
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I decided to enter Mrs Africa, to make a difference for other young girls who like me has the talent and the abilities to achieve almost anything but can’t do so because of their circumstances at home.
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In 2019 my son was kicked out of school for the 3rd time in two years. We struggled to get help. We went from one Dr to the next. Early 2020, when my son was kicked out for the 4th time. I wanted to give up. I didn’t know how to help him anymore. A few weeks later, I pulled myself together and started searching for a Dr who would be able to help us. Eventually, we got the help that we needed, but it was 2 years too late. My son was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder.
A disorder that many teachers and schools aren’t familiar with, thus causing problems for him at school. My son has fallen very far behind with what he needs to be able to do at his age due to the lack of inclusive education in our country.
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I recently got involved with a charity that gives support and educates parents and schools on this specific type of disorder. During my journey as a Mrs Africa Finalist, I would love to create more awareness about special needs education in South Africa as well as inclusive education for learners with special needs.
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I am currently in the process of registering an NPO. We will focus on raising funds to buy new camera equipment for young underprivileged girls in our country. I will take these girls under my wing and teach them everything about photography, not only that but also how to start their businesses so that they can create jobs and bring in their income without relying on the government for money to survive.
“This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.”
―Theodore Roosevelt
Tel: 078 780 0640 | https://www.facebook.com/mrsafricafinalistjaninepretorius2021
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