Back in 2022, Jacaranda FM launched an exciting regional presenter search with a specific focus on unearthing radio broadcast talent in Limpopo. Manani Botes was one of the hopeful participants who recorded a demo at The Mall of The North in Polokwane, and after impressing the Jacaranda FM team with her warm and interesting approach, she was crowned the winner of the presenter search and joined the station’s regional team.
As a champion for Limpopo, Manani aims to shine a spotlight at all the incredible things the province has to offer – a reason she signed up for the Mrs Limpopo Province pageant. In an event filled with glitz and glamour earlier this week, the Jacaranda FM presenter was officially crowned Mrs Limpopo Province 2024!
“What an amazing experience! I am still sitting here with no words but so much gratitude to be crowned Mrs Limpopo Province 2024,” an elated Manani shared shortly after her win. “This is something I have dreamt about and has finally come to pass. It marks yet another exciting chapter in my life and, for me, it’s not about the physical crown on my head, which I can see and is beautiful, but the heaviness of the crown now means that I have got so many more responsibilities to take care of and to give back to my community and I am super excited about this.”
Manani adds “I broke barriers this past weekend. Being part of the Mrs Limpopo Province journey has taught me so much resilience and to have faith and believe in myself and, most importantly, to break the stereotype that married women and mothers can and should follow their dreams. It’s beauty with purpose and I am so excited for my new role as Mrs Limpopo Province 2024 and what the year ahead has in store. I am excited to serve Limpopo with truth and honesty in 2024.”
Born in Giyani and raised in Modjadjiskloof, Manani Botes’ upbringing is a has been culturally diverse. Despite being born into the Tsonga culture in Limpopo, she spent her formative years in an Afrikaans household, attended a Sotho school, and later married into a Coloured community, reflecting the beautiful mosaic of South Africa.
Manani’s journey into the world of beauty pageants began in her high school years, where she secured the crown in the Miss Lethabo Show in 2009. Her success continued as she earned the title of queen in the Miss Charity pageant and reached the final round of the Miss Summer Heat 2011 competition.
In 2022, Manani achieved recognition as a semi-finalist in both the Mrs. South Africa and Mrs. Global Earth SA pageants. However, the pinnacle of her pageant journey came on a Saturday evening when she was crowned as the new Mrs Limpopo Province queen, marking a significant milestone in her remarkable journey.
