Behind the sparkly tiaras: Mrs SA semi-finalists are proud pet parents

The journey to the Mrs South Africa stage is about far more than elegance and confidence. It’s a journey of growth, resilience, and purpose – often described as an “MBA of Life.” 

This year, that journey is also supported by SA’s #1 pet insurer, dotsure.co.za. “We saw in Mrs SA a shared belief in responsibility, resilience, and ongoing community empowerment. It wasn’t just a good fit, it was a natural one.” – Said Glen Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer at dotsure.co.za.

This is a sponsorship grounded in shared values of care, responsibility and community upliftment. But behind the workshops, public speaking sessions and community projects is something deeply personal: the support systems that help contestants keep going during one of the most demanding personal development experiences of their lives.

Women with purpose… and paws
Four Mrs SA 2026 semi-finalists, who are also proud dotsure.co.za policyholders, shared how their pets support them through the demanding Mrs SA journey. 

For Angie Calo, her Yorkshire terriers Miss Luci Pop and Bruno are “soulmates from another lifetime.” Whether travelling to the Drakensberg or waking up with Bruno curled on her pillow during stormy nights, her pets remain a daily source of comfort and joy.

Charissa Nicholas describes her Chow-mix Levi as her emotional anchor. Their daily ritual, a kiss before every treat, is a simple reminder of the unconditional love that keeps her grounded during busy days.

These stories reflect a broader truth: for many modern South African women, pets are not just pets… they’re beloved family members!

Empowerment that extends to community

The Mrs SA journey encourages contestants to use their platforms for social impact, and many finalists are doing exactly that. Aleche Landman is using her platform to educate school children and rural communities about responsible animal care. Shomaveni Govender hopes to inspire confidence in women and girls while advocating for animal welfare and conservation. 

Creating Soft Landings for modern families

During the Mrs SA Semi-Finalist Casting Event, dotsure.co.za participated directly in the experience; engaging contestants in conversations about responsible pet ownership and preparedness. The interaction revealed a powerful insight: today’s Mrs SA woman is balancing career, family, advocacy work and personal development, while ensuring the wellbeing of the pet(s) who depend on her.

Mrs SA empowers women to rise. dotsure.co.za’s Soft Landings philosophy focuses on helping communities navigate life’s uncertainties, including those affecting women, children, and vulnerable pets. “When women are empowered to lead and serve, communities thrive,” said Anderson.

The power behind the crown

Since its relaunch in 2011, Mrs SA has developed hundreds of women into entrepreneurs, community leaders and advocates for change.

As this year’s semi-finalists continue their journey, their stories highlight a powerful connection between leadership and care. Because behind every confident woman on the Mrs SA stage is a network of support — family, community, sisterhood… and often, a loyal (furry) companion who helped her get there.

At dotsure.co.za, their promise is simple: to create Soft Landings when life takes an unexpected turn. As South Africa’s #1 pet insurer, their Wholehearted Pet Insurance is designed to protect the companions who comfort us, ground us, and walk every chapter of life beside us.

^{Dotsure Limited (Registration number 2006/000723/06) is a licensed non-life insurer and authorised financial services provider (FSP39925). Voted South Africa’s Best Pet Insurance 2023-2025 by readers of The Star, Die Burger, Beeld, and City Press.}