Ingrid Maseilane’s quest for women empowerment and community development goes international
Written By Emily Mgidi
From the quiet mining town of Koffiefontein in the Free State to the vibrant city of Bloemfontein, one thing that Ingrid Maseilane has always lived by is her unshakable belief in the power of people, and she’s drawn inspiration from that.
Today, she’s a respected social service professional, an entrepreneur, and a mentor who has made it her mission to empower other women and children through education and community development.
“I believe that empowered women can change the world and my role is to equip them with the skills, tools, and the confidence they need to succeed,” she said.
Now preparing to represent South Africa as Miss Voluptuous International Finalist (2025/2026), Maseilane views her pageant journey as a powerful addition to her service that goes beyond just glamour. She said representing South Africa means she’ll be showing the world how beautiful and resilient South African women are.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to share our culture, values and passion for empowerment on a global stage,” she said.
Maseilane works as a Social Service Professional at the Department of Correctional Services, where she facilitates victim-offender dialogues, creating spaces where accountability and healing can take place. Her love for people spreads even in her work. “This work has taught me the importance of empathy and active listening,” she said.
“It’s not just about correction. It’s about creating opportunities for transformation, for offenders, victims and for communities,” she added. Maseilane hopes that her journey will inspire women to believe in themselves, embrace their uniqueness, and pursue excellence. She said preparing for the coronation has been deeply satisfying, specifically in developing her advocacy platform.
“I want to use my voice to create positive change and inspire others to do the same and for them to inspire more,” she said.
She explained that her advocacy is closely tied to her professional expertise in restorative justice and community development, highlitimg her roles as an active leader in multiple organizations; a National Director of Miss Plus Global Revolutionary SA, founder of Global Revolutionary SA, an Ambassador for Hopefull Handbags Global SA, Ambassador for Mums in Business International in Free State and an executive Member of the Young Social Workers Network South Africa. Through these roles, Maseilane has seen the impact of empowering women and children with education, skills, and support. These, according to her, help them become confident and independent individuals. With numerous responsibilities, Maseilane is intentional about maintaining balance, and as a result, she effectively manages her commitments, prioritizes her time, stays organized, and delegates tasks when possible.
“I also rely on my network to make sure I’m maximizing impact across all areas of my life, with my biggest source of inspiration being my mother,” she said.
Her mom taught her the value of hard work, determination, and kindness. She believes that South African women, in particular, are a powerful force.
“We are known for our strength, beauty, and diversity, and despite many challenges, we remain resilient and continue to rise,” she said.
Looking ahead, Maseilane hopes to utilize the Miss Voluptuous International platform to amplify her advocacy and expand her impact. She wants young women to look at her journey and know that their voices matter, that their dreams are valid, and that their communities need them.
“If I can leave behind a legacy of empowerment and kindness, then I’ll know I’ve done my part. That will mean everything to me.”- Ingrid Maseilane