Businesswoman, wife, mother and an SA beauty
DURBAN mom and entrepreneur Bayanda Gumede can’t wait to represent the city for the next round in the Mrs South Africa pageant after making the top 100 in the semi finals.
The 34-year-old runs an online business called Skates and Candy, a clothing line for kids and their trendy moms which she founded with her sister, Buhle Mabanga, in 2015. Their brand aims to break traditional styles for children by creating unisex clothes.
“My days can be very hectic dealing with client queries, manufacturers, marketing and business development, but I’m very lucky to have a husband that wants to see me live my best life. He’s so supportive,” she said. Gumede and her husband Zithule have two children.
She said she was hopeful of her chances of winning the crown.
“I want to inspire women to strive to be the best version of themselves. Once women get married, it’s very easy to prioritise everything else before yourself. Women need to know that their dreams and aspirations come first.”
Gumede thought it was important for women to take on more influential roles in business and believed that Mrs South Africa should reflect the modern working woman. One of her biggest challenges is expanding her business and balancing it with her personal life.
“It can be a bit exhausting wearing many hats at once, but my passion keeps me going. In my spare time, I try to learn more about the business world. Otherwise, I spend it with my family,” she said.
Last year’s winner, Candice Abrahams, inspired her to enter, because she wanted to be a positive influence for women in their respective industries. Abrahams went on to win last year’s Mrs World Pageant, adding her name to a list of local celebrities making it big beyond South Africa’s borders.
Other role models include former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, who she considered to be one of the most inspirational women in the country. “Mandonsela’s courage and resilience is remarkable and both of them have proved that nothing is impossible, as long as you are willing to work hard for your goals.”
Twenty-five women will be chosen for the finals at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg on April 28. The winner will be crowned at Emperors Palace on October 6. You can vote for her, by texting “Bayanda Gumede” to 35939 and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.