Liezl Bopape Curnow, a 37-year-old from Belhar, is determined to change the narrative for women in South Africa.
As she competes in the prestigious Mrs. Universe South Africa pageant, Liezl isn’t just aiming for the crown; she’s using the platform to raise awareness around domestic violence and empower women and girls who face similar struggles.
In her final year of studying Ministry and Theology, Curnow’s journey has been anything but easy, but it’s one that fuels her passion for making a difference.
Growing up with her grandparents in Valhalla Park, sharing a room with her parents and two siblings, Curnow recalled being shielded from the harsh realities of poverty and crime by her mother, who worked tirelessly to expand her daughter’s horizons.
Despite the challenges, she learned the importance of perseverance from her upbringing.
“My upbringing taught me the importance of perseverance,” she added.
From a young age, Curnowl faced bullying for both her appearance and her accent.
“I remember how my uncle used to tease me for speaking proper English, because I was a thin, black, young girl with coarse hair and growing up as the first-born child to a Northern Sotho father, who couldn't even speak Sotho but proper English."
When she was seven years old the family moved to Belhar, where she would spend the rest of her childhood and youth.
“At school I was bullied to the point of me not wanting to go back, I had low self-esteem, my mom got me counselling, which helped.
“One thing I can say with confidence is that my mother always saw the potential in us and made sure that we were supported.
“That is when she enrolled me in modelling opportunities, to help with the confidence. There I learnt about etiquette and what clothes to match together to help with the self-esteem and feeling comfortable.
“She never had money to do it, but I now understand she did it to show me a better life,” Curnow explained, acknowledging her mother’s sacrifice.
Through this she grew a commitment to advocating for women’s rights that comes from a personal and painful place.
Growing up, she witnessed the devastating effects of domestic violence, including her own aunt being shot multiple times by her husband.
“As young as I was, I realised it can happen to anyone. These experiences ignited my passion to support survivors of abuse.”
As a semi-finalist in the Mrs. Universe South Africa pageant,Curnow is determined to use her platform to inspire and empower girls and women from backgrounds like hers.
“I am committed to using my platform to inspire, support, and empower girls and women in similar backgrounds, ensuring they have access to the resources they need to thrive.”
Her vision extends beyond the pageant.
She hopes to create safe spaces and resources for women to heal and rebuild. “I believe in telling your story, but sadly many don’t live to tell theirs.
“That’s why I believe you should support survivors and educate the community. We can create a safe space and a more compassionate community.”
Her ultimate goal is to build an organisation that helps young girls regain confidence, learn self-love, and find their purpose.
She envisions providing counselling, economic empowerment programmes, and access to education.
“Professionally, I envision our organisation growing into a safe place where young girls will learn how to become confident again, love themselves, and find confidence and purpose.”
Through the pageant, Curnow hopes to expand her network, raising awareness for her cause and gaining the connections necessary to make a lasting impact. Through the pageant, I hope to grow connections to expand the dream.”
And if she could give one message to survivors of abuse, it would be clear: “You are not alone, you are not to blame, and you don’t have to be ashamed to come forward. I know it’s a cliché, but it’s the truth—the first step is always the hardest. Reaching out for help, if you don’t reach out, no one will know. Please don’t suffer in silence.”
Weekend Argus