Let’s Dive In
Celebrating life, overcoming immense challenges, and inspiring others define the journey of Nono Zwane, a semi-finalist in the Mrs. South Africa 2024 competition. At 40, Nono’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of embracing every moment. This interview delves into her motivations, her experiences, and the beliefs that drive her to make a significant impact on the world.
Some Insight
Nono Zwane is a remarkable woman who has triumphed over cancer while achieving significant academic and professional milestones. Her participation in the Mrs. SA competition is an extension of her mission to live life fully and inspire others with her story of hope and resilience. Nono's vibrant personality and dedication to making a difference shine through in everything she does.
The Interview
What inspired you to participate in the Mrs. SA competition?
“I turned 40 last year and I threw a big party. I never really celebrated anything in my life. I achieved my degree in Business Management while going through Cancer treatment. Then I achieved my Honours degree after that and also beat the Cancer and for all those achievements I never celebrated. I was always grateful to get through a hurdle in my life and also getting some sort of success. When I turned 40 I decided that I will celebrate everything all in one go. After hearing my story the photographer at my party asked me why didn’t I enter the pageant. I told him I’ll think about it. So then I sat and thought about it. After the Cancer diagnosis I promised myself that I am going to live my life fully and not just exist. I thought to myself why not. I can do anything I put my mind to. I was also inspired by the idea of amplifying my message of hope and resilience as a Cancer survivor on this platform.”
How has your journey in the competition impacted your personal and professional life?
“My life as a whole is impacted in a way that I get more recognition from people everywhere. I spend more time learning something new. There is personal and professional development and growth. I’ve built more self-confidence, my public speaking skill is refined/being refined, it's enhancing my network abilities and also expanding my comfort zone.”
What challenges have you faced during the competition, and how did you overcome them?
“I was uncomfortable working on social media. It was a bit of a challenge for me to post as required because before the competition I would post whenever I wanted and not because I’m required or that there is a specific goal that I must achieve by posting. The challenge was also posting the correct way that will connect with my target audience. To overcome that I had to get advice from someone who knew more about social media and to also note my responsibilities and accomplish them one by one and not do everything at once. Another challenge was that I got full sponsorship and more, but the sponsors were not paying. I’m still working on this one by following up with the sponsors and also trying to get other people to invest in me because only one sponsor paid so far, and I believe others will follow suit.”
Can you share your daily wellness routine?
“I wake up and spend time in the morning on the word and prayer. From Monday to Friday I start my day with exercise or a run. On Saturdays I do my long run and Sunday I rest.”
How do you balance your mental and physical health, especially in preparation for a competition?
“I try to stick to a routine because it keeps me sane.”
What's your philosophy on nutrition and fitness, and how has it evolved over the years?
“I try a balanced approach which is moderate to nutrition and fitness. Consuming a variety of whole foods and incorporating it with regular exercise. Over the years this has also evolved to performance-based nutrition to optimise it for my athletic performance. Specific nutrient requirements to fuel workouts especially if I’m preparing for a marathon then my diet changes.”
What are your go-to beauty and skincare routines?
“I honestly don’t really have. I’m just a simple girl. So, at night I just wash my face with facewash, tone it and put on my night cream and in the morning it's face wash, tone it and day cream.”
How do you define beauty, and how does it reflect in your lifestyle?
“Beauty to me is what’s on the inside. To be kind to fellow humans and do what you can to help the next person and doing things to make a positive impact in people’s lives. I try as much as I can to help where I can and also to try to make a positive impact in people’s lives. If I get a chance to make a difference, I do and also work towards inspiring and uplifting those around me.”
What beauty trends are you currently loving, and which ones would you like to see make a comeback?
“Beauty trends are constantly evolving, and I’m always intrigued about the next one. Currently I love the natural makeup looks, the finger wave which was a trend in the past and now is back.”
How would you describe your personal style, and how has it evolved over time?
“I don’t really have a personal style. I wear what I like. In the past I preferred or loved black clothes and over time I have grown to love bright colours. I actually prefer a more formal look.”
Can you share a memorable fashion moment from your participation in Mrs. SA?
“When the company booked a venue for us for photoshoots. My personal clothing sponsor provided me with a number of beautiful outfits. I was just in love with the two jumpsuits that I wore. The one was more of a formal look and I loved the bright neon colour and the other one was a silver short also a bit formal jumpsuit. That was memorable for me.”
What fashion advice would you give to someone looking to find their own style?
“I would say find something that you are comfortable in, when you are wearing it you feel great about yourself.”
As a role model, what message do you want to convey to women and young girls?
“I want to remind each and every one of you how truly special and powerful you are. You have the ability to shape your own destiny, overcome any obstacle, and make a positive impact in the world around you. As women and young girls, you are capable of achieving greatness and inspiring others with your strength, resilience, and compassion.”
“Always remember that your worth is not defined by external standards or expectations. Embrace your unique qualities, talents, and dreams. Be proud of who you are and never shy away from being your authentic self. Your voice matters, your ideas are valuable, and your presence makes a difference.”
“Believe in yourself, trust your instincts, and never underestimate the power you hold within. Embrace opportunities for growth, learn from setbacks, and always strive to be the best version of yourself. Let your light shine bright and inspire others to do the same.”
“You are capable, you are resilient, and you are deserving of all the love and success that the world has to offer. Embrace your inner strength, follow your passions, and never forget the incredible potential that lies within you. You are enough, you are worthy, and you are limitless.”
How do you use your platform to advocate for causes you're passionate about?
“I share my story as a cancer survivor and inspire people on different platforms and also volunteering for CANSA, actively participating in their projects and initiatives. I also visit different schools to give motivational talks to the kids to inspire them.”
Can you share an instance where you felt you made a significant impact through your advocacy work?
“I visited a school back where I grew up. The children were so happy to see me and wearing the Mrs SA semi-finalist sash made them so happy that they felt that they can achieve anything no matter where they come from. They followed me to my house and were asking me for advice on how to navigate their career paths. I was so humbled and honoured.”
What are your goals and aspirations beyond the Mrs. SA competition?
“I would like to build my personal brand and increase my influence to leverage that platform to reach a wider audience in my Breast Cancer Awareness advocacy and make a positive impact in society. I also aspire to empower and mentor other women, sharing their experiences, knowledge and skills to help achieve their goals.”
How do you plan to continue making a difference in your community or field of work?
“I will continue with my workshops in my community and also in other areas to amplify my advocacy for Breast Cancer Awareness.”
Is there a project or initiative you're currently working on that you'd like to share more about?
“The only project I have is the one I am planning to do back home in Madikwe which will be a workshop where I will be educating the community about Cancer. Since this disease is taboo in my community people don’t talk about it and are ashamed to seek help if they think something is wrong in their bodies. I would like to combat that issue and have a society that is not afraid to go check themselves if they suspect there’s something wrong.”
What's a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
“There is a Fun Cancer Awareness run that takes place every year in Vanderbijlpark in October and it was established in my Honour.”
If you could have dinner with any three people (dead or alive), who would they be and why?
“Michelle Obama, because she is a highly respected figure known for her advocacy on issues such as education, health, and women's empowerment. Sharing a meal with her would offer an opportunity to delve into topics like leadership, which I’m passionate about, especially women leadership, public service, and personal growth. Her insights on navigating challenges, fostering resilience, and making a difference could provide valuable lessons and inspiration.”
“Oprah Winfrey, because it would offer me the opportunity to learn from her leadership style, insights on success, and strategies for empowering oneself and others. Her communication skills and authenticity could offer valuable lessons for effective self-expression and connection with others. I could learn more about the importance of giving back, creating positive change in society, and using one's platform for the greater good. Her commitment to making a difference in the world inspires me to think about ways to contribute to causes that are meaningful to me. I believe she would undoubtedly leave a lasting impact and enrich my own journey of personal growth and empowerment.”
“Nelson Mandela, because of his leadership and resilience. Ntate Mandela's leadership during the struggle against apartheid in South Africa and his ability to reconcile with his oppressors after spending 27 years in prison demonstrate extraordinary resilience, forgiveness, and commitment to peace and reconciliation. Dinner with him would undoubtedly be an opportunity to learn valuable life lessons, gain insights into leadership and forgiveness, and be inspired by his extraordinary journey and impact on the world.”
Can you tell us about the inception of your business/entrepreneurial journey? What inspired you to start?
“I currently don’t have any business that I am running. I aspire to start my own NGO/NPO where I would be able to do more advocacy work and make an impact in the society. I currently work for a Telecommunications company as a Specialist Area Manager.”
What unique challenges have you faced as a woman in business, and how have you overcome them?
“In my current work the challenges I have faced as a woman are that people sometimes undermine me and to overcome that challenge I do assert myself very firmly to get my point across.”
How do you balance the demands of your business with your personal life and commitments, especially during the Mrs. SA competition?
“I plan my activities timeously. I have allocated time for aspects in my life. I follow a routine and that keeps me sane.”
As a leader, how do you foster a positive and productive work environment for your team?
“I encourage open and transparent communication within the team. Ensuring that team members understand their roles, responsibilities, and goals. I also foster a culture where feedback is welcomed and encouraged. Encouraging collaboration and teamwork among team members. Recognising and rewarding team achievements to reinforce the importance of working together. Address conflicts promptly to prevent them from escalating.”
What does empowerment mean to you, and how do you empower others through your work or business?
“To me It means giving others the authority, resources and support they need to take control of making decisions and achieving their goals. Basically, helping someone else to grow. To empower others I delegate authority so that they learn new responsibilities, provide opportunities for growth by offering training and development opportunities. I also offer support and guidance where needed.”
How have your experiences in the Mrs. SA competition influenced your approach to leadership and business?
“It has taught me to reinforce perseverance and resilience.”
Wrapping Up
Nono Zwane’s journey in the Mrs. SA competition is a powerful narrative of resilience, empowerment, and inspiration. Her dedication to making a difference in her community and beyond is a testament to her unwavering spirit. Through her advocacy, personal growth, and commitment to helping others, Nono continues to be a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration.
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With Love and Empowerment,
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