MBOMBELA – Former Miss Mpumalanga, Nompumelelo Lephoko, made history by becoming the first South African ever to be crowned Miss Tourism Africa Universe in Lebanon recently.
The excited Lephoko said even though this was not her first crown, winning is one of the greatest feelings ever. “More than being excited for myself, I am excited for Africa, South Africa and Mpumalanga as a whole. This is a good story, especially for young girls from previously disadvantaged and rural communities. It proves that your background does not matter, but your purpose does.”
Lephoko said her journey to modelling was not an easy ride. “My evolution from being ‘an ugly duckling’ to a beauty queen started when I was discovered by a friend whom I now regard as one of my big sisters, Kedeboni Mkhabela. I was discovered on my way from school. After completing my matric I went to a tertiary institution in Johannesburg where Kede took me under her wing and opened doors in Johannesburg for me to be accepted and groomed in the industry. Then things started to unroll for me while still at Wits. And as they say the rest is this history in the making.”
She said there is no time to take her foot off the pedal yet, “As the Miss Africa Tourism Universe I will be fully engaged in promoting tourism, especially African tourism. I will be involved in engagements and initiatives that seek to address the economic, political and social impact of tourism.
“Although much of my focus will be on the entire Africa, I will also concentrate on Mpumalanga. Reports indicate that Mpumalanga has lost its position in terms of tourism. With the assistance of the provincial tourism custodians, I will make it one of my duties to try and restore Mpumalanga’s tourism dignity, luring tourists to make this province their destination of choice.”
Lephoko spend most of her time imparting knowledge to younger girls aspiring to be models. She also conducts awareness campaigns in schools to warn learners about drugs and substance abuse. Furthermore, she plays her part in addressing the basic needs of the destitute through the Mpumi Lephoko Foundation.
This beauty queen started her school career at Kroomdraai Primary in eMalahleni. In grade four she moved to Vukasambe Primary at Pienaar Msogwaba. She completed her matric at Lekazi Central High School.
