The 49-year-old Soweto-born dynamo – who currently lives in Bedfordview – is the Group CEO for RB Property Group and Fund and CEO of the Catholic Business Forum. In addition, Buthelezi is a member of the UN Women SA and The Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities’ Generation Equality and the Faith Based Organisation’s National Task Team and still finds the time, together with her businessman husband Robert, to raise four children.

And if that wasn’t enough to fill even the hardest working woman’s day, Buthelezi is also a reigning Mrs Gauteng princess.

The Mrs Gauteng pageant has been hosted by RoleModels Foundation since 2009 and is a platform for married/divorced or widowed women aged between 24 and 58. The aim is for women to step up and speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves and about making a difference in the lives of those in need; this is a life-changing, philanthropic pageant, not merely a beauty or modelling competition. Buthelezi was crowned a Mrs Gauteng 2021 2nd princess at the grand finale that took place in November last year. It was because of her desire to give back that she entered the pageant.

“Yes, I am a daughter, a wife, a mother, a businesswoman, a speaker and a writer, and have more than enough to keep me busy. However, as a humanitarian, I believe that my life has value and is worth being cared for, but this is also true for anyone else. My faith and sense of community impel me to find spaces where I can uphold and value each person and care for them," says Buthelezi.

“The charity beneficiary of the Mrs Gauteng pageant is the RoleModels Foundation. Its mission is to intervene in impoverished communities by creating self-sustainability through education and skills development. This mission resonated with my desire to give back, empower and inspire others, especially women and girls. That is one of the reasons I entered the competition. The other is to shatter the glass ceiling about age and weight. To show that anything is possible,” she adds.

The Mrs Gauteng princess is currently working on an alumnus-focused project for her old school, Immaculata Secondary in Diepkloof, Soweto.

“My contribution is being done in consultation with the school, about where there is the most need and what will have highest impact,” she explains. Despite her full diary, we found some time to sit down with this successful and driven woman to ask her a few questions:

Why is your faith so important to you?
From as long as I can remember I grew up with prayer; when things were good and when things were difficult. My faith became stronger as I was growing up because I could discern that God answers our prayers. 

How have you handled the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Primarily it affected me psychologically. It was extremely overwhelming especially as a mother. Thinking about my family and thinking about their needs. Being locked and confined to one space was also difficult. The deaths of family and friends brought additional burden to the psychological state. We ultimately had to adjust and try best to live in this new situation.

What has this time taught you?
It has taught me to be more introspective than I have ever been. I am now more in touch with myself. I have grown in that I now pray before making decisions and this has brought a richer spiritual wisdom. 

What do you love about South Africa?
The people, the diversity, the weather, the beauty of our country’s landscapes; from mountains, to rivers and its natural treasures. I hope to travel South Africa more because we have so much to be grateful for.

What would like to change about South Africa?
Corruption, inequality, economic justice and rights for women and youth, gender-based violence in particular, and the violence and murders in general. We also need a difference in entrepreneurship development. 

Who are your role models?
My father Simon (Sy) Khumalo is my hero and the late Marina Maponya. I was lucky enough to virtually grow up in her household.

Tell us about your upbringing?
I come from very humble beginnings, where my mother, Lerato Khumalo, was a dressmaker and my father was a lab technician and a boxing trainer during his spare time. Baby Jake Matlala and Joe Miya were trained by my father. This meant that my father’s children all had to be winners in his eyes.

Tell us a bit more about your family?
I have a beautiful and imperfect family! Our home is filled with love and respect for each other. This is the ‘accomplishment’ that makes me the proudest.

What do you do in your spare time?
I love travelling and watching movies. I love action, thrillers, crime and romance. I love attending comedy shows. I love listening to music, especially R&B and jazz.

Do you think beauty pageants are still relevant today? 
Yes, they are relevant. The way they are perceived by some people needs to change though as they can contribute positively to the dignity of women

Name three of your female role models?
Marina Maponya – she was an all-rounded woman. Community, business, family and faith.
Sophia de Bruyn – a courageous woman who fought for women’s rights.
Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza – her work and passion for literature and her achievements inspire me. 

What is your message to young girls and young women in South Africa?
You can be anything you dream to be. It is possible so go out and pursue it.

What would you do differently if you had a chance?
Follow my truest passion, take more holidays, enjoy life to the fullest.

What challenges have you faced in life – what do you struggle with?
Forgiveness is the most challenging for me but my belief in God and in my ancestors grounds me. 

Have you had any epiphanies that you would like to talk about? Anything that changed your approach to life?
When I almost lost my life back in 2007 (in a car accident), I realised that I should leave nothing to chance. It inspired me to work hard for what I want and ensure that it is attained. 

What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I have been told that I have OCD. Also, that I am shy and homely.

What is the number one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
Carpe diem – seize the day and do not allow fear to get anywhere in your path. Self-doubt paralyses us.

What have you planned for Human Rights Day this month?
I will do something around economic rights and justice. 

Describe yourself in three words:
Strict, tenacious, kind.

What music are you listening to?
Sibongile Khumalo, Andrea Bocelli, El Divo, Zahara, Zonke, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Tshepo Tshola, Dionne Warwick.

What’s your favourite meal?
Pap and mogodu

What’s your guilty pleasure?
I have a sweet tooth. Chocolate and ice-cream.