Leaving a Footprint
Through media, advocacy, community initiatives, and meaningful conversations, I hope to inspire women to embrace their own journey with confidence, courage, and purpose.
Whether standing on a stage, being featured in the media, or working within communities, every opportunity has become a chance to encourage others to believe in themselves and create lasting impact.
Because true influence isn't measured by recognition, it's measured by the lives we touch.
HER | SPOTLIGHT
Celebrating the Journey
Every achievement tells a story. Her | Spotlight gathers the moments, milestones and opportunities that have shaped my journey, from Mrs Universe South Africa, PPMC and The Next Opulent Models South Africa to magazine features, interviews and public recognition. Every chapter is helping to shape the story I am still writing.
Pageants · Media · Recognition
TITLES & RECOGNITION
Crowned with Purpose
Mrs Universe South Africa 2026 – 1st Runner-Up
After a year of service, growth and sisterhood, Charlene was named a top-five finalist at the sashing ceremony and went on to be crowned 1st Runner-Up.
Mrs Woman of the Universe 2026
An international title honouring women who lead with purpose, compassion and grace, and who use their voice to uplift others.
Mrs Victorious 2026 – Photogenic Winner
Awarded Photogenic Winner, celebrating confidence, presence and the story a single photograph can tell.
The Next Opulent Model 2026 – Finalist
Selected as a finalist for The Next Opulent Models South Africa, representing poise, professionalism and authentic beauty.
Face of PPMC Magazine 2025 – Senior Overall Winner
Also crowned Mrs Winner and Best Black & White Winner, and placed 1st Runner-Up for Best Smile and Best Eyes, in a competition celebrating presence and individuality across photography, modelling and pageantry.
PPMC Magazine Awards 2026 – Nominee
Nominated for Most Photogenic Woman and Most Influential Woman, an affirmation of growth, discipline and showing up consistently.
Women Supremacy Awards – Inspirational Woman of the Year Nominee
A nomination that recognises impact beyond titles: the everyday work of showing up for community initiatives, awareness projects and service.
Mrs Universe South Africa 2025 – Public Choice & Best Table
Voted Public Choice in the semi-final interview judging, and awarded Best Table at the Celebrate You Lunch where the finalists were announced.
HER | IMPACT
Creating Change with Purpose
Impact begins with showing up. Her | Impact is home to the community projects, awareness campaigns and initiatives that reflect the heart behind Her Collective, from women's empowerment and outreach to charitable causes. Because real impact isn't found in what we achieve, it's found in what we leave behind.
Empowerment · Outreach · Awareness
HER | IMPACT IN ACTION
Every Act of Kindness Counts
Breast Cancer Awareness – Pink Balloon Release
Together with Pink Mango in Hoopstad, Charlene hosted a pink balloon release. R3 from every balloon sold went to CANSA, and the community released the balloons together in honour of everyone touched by breast cancer.
Easter at the Baby House
Over Easter weekend Charlene spent time with the children and house mothers at a local baby house, delivering Easter eggs, meat and maize meal, and was reminded that presence is the greatest gift of all.
Pick n Pay Hoopstad Donation Trolley
Together with Pick n Pay Hoopstad, a donation trolley was set up for children in need, and Pick n Pay matched every essential item that was donated.
Christmas Party & Typek Boxes
Typek boxes, a visit from Santa, a gift for every child, face paint, jumping castles and boerewors rolls. Even in the rain the smiles stayed wide, and every child was reminded that they are seen, valued and celebrated.
Funky Hat & Hair Day – Electricity Drive
At Hoopstad High School, learners arrived in their most creative hats and hairstyles to support an electricity drive led by the Mrs Universe South Africa finalists, while also raising funds for a community member’s medical bills.
Mnr & Mev Kroon van Bloemhof – Kwêla
As part of Bloemhof’s Dorp van die Jaar celebrations on kykNET’s Kwêla, Charlene hosted a model competition for ages 3 to 29. Entry fees were raised for children in need and matched by Kareedou Makelaars, doubling the contribution.
SANBS Blood Drives – Hoopstad & Welkom
From her very first blood donation in Hoopstad to being symbolically “locked up” at SANBS Welkom until ten donors came forward, Charlene learned that advocacy isn’t always comfortable, but it is always purposeful.
Proud Ambassador – Cupcakes of Hope
Supporting children battling cancer and their families through funding, awareness and community baking initiatives, including the Mugg & Bean cupcake campaign. Read more below.
Judge for Mnr & Miss Riebie
Serving as a judge at Riebeeckstad Primary School’s Mnr en Miss Riebie, Charlene celebrated the confidence and courage of young learners, and met Miss Tiny World 2025.
Women’s Day at Lagai Roi Farm
A Women’s Day visit to farmer Koba Ferreira, honouring the women who build lasting impact behind the scenes through sustainable farming, aquaculture and hydroponics.
Mandela Day
Charlene planted a tree at home with her daughters, a simple act of service and a legacy of growth and hope for the next generation.
Awareness Stories & Hoopstad Library
Raising awareness and funds for the Hoopstad Library, childhood cancer, organ donation, hemochromatosis, diabetes and thyroid health, because awareness becomes meaningful when it leads to action.
PROUD AMBASSADOR
Cupcakes of Hope
Charlene is a proud ambassador for Cupcakes of Hope, an organisation that supports children battling cancer and their families through funding, awareness and community-driven initiatives.
As part of her journey she visited Mugg & Bean, who ran a special project in support of Cupcakes of Hope by donating R2 from every cupcake sold, turning everyday moments into meaningful acts of giving.
Every cupcake is a small act of hope.
BREAKING THE SILENCE · DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS
You Are Not Alone
Behind closed doors, too many women live with a fear and a silence they never speak about. This video is Charlene’s way of using her platform to break that silence, and to remind every woman that her story matters, that what happened to her is not her fault, and that help is available.
If you or someone you love is affected by gender-based or domestic violence, please reach out. The GBV Command Centre is available 24 hours a day on 0800 428 428, and in an emergency call SAPS on 10111. You do not have to walk this road alone.