Mrs Africa Globe 2019, Lucia Ochan-Simelane, will once again compete on the international stage on June 20.
She will compete in the Mrs Curvé Globe in California, USA.
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She said she was invited in March, and took on the opportunity.
“They invited me because of my body, and they can invite me anytime because I am part of the Mrs Globe sisterhood. They asked me when I was competing in an event within this programme called ‘Cultural Night’. I have tried to enter Miss South Africa, but because of my curves I could not make it. I believe this is an opportunity to encourage other women and I have been given an opportunity to embrace who I am,”
she said.
This beauty queen from Nkomazi is also a businesswoman, owner of the OT Deyo Med Aesthetic Clinic, founder and patron of the Lucia O Foundation, and she participates on numerous councils and chambers within the community.
She also carries the title of Mrs Africa first princess and in the Face of Africa category. She won the second princess award for best interview as well as the integrity award.
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It has been years since she competed in China for Mrs Africa Globe, and she said she is ready now that the world is no longer facing the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I will enter as Mrs Globe South Africa Curvé 2023, representing SA, and I will still be representing the continent because my title of Mrs Globe Africa does not disappear, it will forever be with me. Even when I am old, I will still be part of the system.”
“There is a lot of growth and empowerment personally. It taught me how to build boundaries and to focus. I believe it is an empowering programme. I would not call it a pageant. It is a programme, because it empowers and it builds you. They teach you how to manage yourself and how to relate with people. It does not end once you are crowned; we have a sisterhood. It builds you and that is why I will never stop. I am part of a lifetime programme that is building me,” Ochan-Simelane said.
As part of the programme, she engages in community projects. “I will be visiting a centre in Nkomazi and Badplaas, and will be handing out packages.”