From the township of Kanana, near Orkney, Amelia Nnono Konote embodies resilience, compassion, and bold conviction.
Amelia has risen to stardom and earned a seat at influential tables in the pageantry and media world.
She holds a Master of Commerce in Programme Management, a qualification that has enabled her to design, implement, and successfully deliver large-scale projects in both the public and corporate sectors.
Amelia wears many hats: she is a mother, career woman, TV talk show producer and host, and community builder. She represents the multifaceted spirit of the South African woman – resilient, nurturing, and visionary.
Her motivation
What came naturally to Amelia as a township girl was the fight to survive and being a voice for the voiceless.
“What keeps me inspired and motivated is helping those who cannot help themselves, being a voice for the voiceless, and making a real difference in the lives of others. I am especially driven by the opportunity to change how people; particularly our youth see and perceive their future.
“I want to challenge the status quo in our farm schools, because these children matter. They deserve to be told, and continually reminded, that their dreams are valid and their future is bright. By working together with Government, community, and private business, we can create meaningful change,” said Amelia.
Her journey to the Mrs Bold South Africa 2025 semi-finals is not just a personal milestone but a platform to amplify her mission: healing wounded hearts, restoring dignity, and inspiring authentic conversations in society. She is passionate about emotional healing, youth mentorship, and empowering women to rediscover their purpose – even in the face of trauma.
“To be honest, the first thing that attracted me to the Mrs Bold South Africa 2025 Pageant was the prize money of R150,000. My immediate thought was, “This is exactly what we need to build the much-needed bedrooms for Phakela Secondary School.” But little did I know, this journey had so much more in store for me.
“I am truly amazed by the woman I have become and am still becoming through this journey. I have always been passionate about community development and naturally selfless, but being part of Mrs Bold has transformed not only the way I serve but also the way I see myself. My approach has become more intentional, and the results keep getting better every time.
“Now, I find myself wanting to do even more for the community I live in. My perspective on community building and development has expanded in ways that sometimes scare me because growth always comes with challenges. But at the same time, it excites me, because it means I am stepping into a greater purpose,” Amelia said.
Media & Social Media Presence
Amelia’s work has gained local media recognition through:
Featured social media coverage of her community outreach programs.
Community Upliftment & Flagship Work
At the heart of Amelia’s journey lies one conviction: our children and communities deserve more.
Phakela Secondary School – Hartbeesfontein
Her flagship project is the adoption of Phakela Secondary School, where learners face extreme poverty, hunger, and lack of basic essentials. Amelia’s vision is to restore their dignity by:
Building two new rooms to serve as hostels/bedrooms for learners.
Hosting a Fundraising Gala Dinner (May 2025) attended by community leaders, academics, SAPS, church leaders, and business professionals.
Other Community Work
Kanana Primary School: Donated 52 pairs of school shoes.
Period Poverty Fight: Purchased and distributed sanitary towels and joined the TP Foundation Charity Walk.
Motivational Talks: Inspired Grade 11 & 12 learners at Phakela, contributing to their 95% pass rate in the 2nd term.
Responding to the question of how to address gender-based violence (GBV) in South African townships, Amelia said it requires a multi-faceted approach focusing on supporting survivors, challenging harmful norms and strengthening legal frameworks.
“Every week in our country, women and children are killed, abused, or subjected to unimaginable violence. The North West province has not been spared; the recent cases of gender-based violence (GBV) have shaken our communities to the core. These stories are not just headlines—they are painful realities that leave victims and their families carrying deep scars and lifelong trauma.
“The truth is clear: GBV is not a women’s issue alone—it is a societal crisis that demands a united response. Silence and inaction allow the cycle to continue. To stop it, we must confront GBV with courage, compassion, and concrete action.”
