With a passion for philanthropy and the desire to better women’s lived experiences, Tebogo Mphahlele aspires to be at the forefront of building our nation one positive initiative at a time. Multi-hyphenate, the pageant model holds an Accounting degree from the University of Johannesburg and aspires to become a Chartered Accountant, something she is actively working towards.
A trailblazer by nature, Ms Mphahlele is the Founder and CEO of Women Network Africa, as well as the Lead Young SA Foundation. She’s also the reigning Miss Mamelodi Sundowns of the Gauteng Province, with aspirations to serve her country as Miss South Africa someday.
Moreover, Tebogo is a football enthusiast with a keen interest in the women’s game and how it can be better tailored for women football players across the globe. A woman after God’s heart, Tebogo shared her favourite things with us, from her Bible which she holds dear, to her fail-safe beauty products.
Ice Tea or a delicious mocktail
For as long as I can remember, ice tea has always been my go-to beverage, especially on a sunny day. I particularly love how it’s such an easy drink to prepare at home. I also thoroughly enjoy trying out different mocktails at various restaurants with my girlfriends, whenever we are out.
An elegant dress
A long, body-hugging dress with beautiful details is always a must-have. It’s easily one of my favourite statement pieces in my wardrobe. It always makes me feel like I’m about to walk on a red carpet. When paired with a beautiful pair of heels, your confidence is automatically taken to the next level.
My Bible
“A woman after God’s heart” is what you’ll find on the first line of most of my social media bios, so my Bible is very important to me. It’s something I try to start and end off my day with, having a digital version of it also helps with keeping myself accountable even when I don’t have the physical copy with me at the time.
A statement blazer
If you bump into me during the course of the week or even on a weekend, chances are I’ll be rocking a blazer. Blazers are my favourite wardrobe essentials because they effortlessly complete and enhance a look so beautifully. My idea of ‘casual wear’ is definitely a statement blazer, a pair of good jeans, and some stunning heels to uplift the look.
Home cooked meal
I absolutely love a warm, hearty home-cooked meal. Preparing it is one of my favourite ways of expressing love to my loved ones. Cooking is one of my favourite things to do whenever I get the chance, my recipes are always inspired by the likes of the ‘Lazy Makoti’ and Neo Nontso from ‘Dine With Neo.’
The ‘Money Show’ Podcast
As someone who is in the Corporate Finance space professionally, it’s important to always be abreast with current affairs in the finance and business world. The ‘Money Show’ by Bruce Whitfield is currently my favourite go-to Podcast show for such weekly updates.
Perfume – Givenchy L’interdit scent
Nothing is more memorable than a scent. I strongly believe that scent is an extension of your style. Therefore, it becomes your signature over time and the Givenchy L’interdit has certainly become one of my favourite signature scents. The perfume is built on the basis of contrast between a bouquet of white flowers and intense woody and earthy notes of patchouli and vetiver.
My iPad
My iPad is one of the gadgets I use on a daily basis. It has all my work-related things, all my important daily reminders and it’s also where I sometimes ‘Netflix and Chill’ or just read a book. I must say, Apple definitely had people like me in mind when they were creating it. Such a perfect productivity gadget!
Skin Care – Pastry Body Wash
I love a good skincare routine, and recently this Body Wash by ‘Pastry’ has been my favourite addition to my routine, it leaves my skin feeling so smooth and the ‘Peach’ fragranced one smells so divine. I also just love how the brand ‘Pastry’ was created by a black South African woman. It’s so inspiring and empowering to use products and support businesses owned by people who look like you. I love using brands where I relate and affiliate with the story behind them.
Flowers
Flowers are certainly a big part of my love language, I love giving flowers and I also love receiving them. I grew up in a home where we had a beautiful garden, and my father would sometimes pick out flowers for my mother and I, and I think that’s where my love for flowers stems from. I associate flowers with love because they instantly lift one’s mood.