Limpopo beauty adds Mrs World 2019 first runner-up to her winning tally
Staying true to herself and focusing on her goals was the key to Matapa Maila-Rikhotso's recent success
POLOKWANE – Staying true to herself and focusing on her goals was the key to Matapa Maila-Rikhotso’s recent success. The local 33-year-old beauty added the title of Mrs World 2019 first runner-up, this comes after the crown of Tammy Taylor Mrs SA.
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“The Mrs World 2019 pageant took place in Las Vegas on 4 May. I immersed myself in the process and just remained true to who I am. It is important to remember: In a room full of capable individuals, you are one of them. Therefore, never doubt yourself because dreams don’t have an address. I expected this journey to be just as tough as my journey to become Mrs Tammy Taylor SA 2019,” she explained.
Matapa says every journey in life has challenges and requires preparation, hard work and some level of compromise.
“Leaving my family behind was not easy. Putting my work on hold was also a huge ask, but when you are hungry enough for something, you find a middle ground. They say: ‘If you love what you do, you don’t have to work a day in your life.’ I couldn’t agree more with this quote,” she added. The Mrs World 2019 first runner-up shared her future plans.
“I will continue to serve others, advocate for the marginalised and being a woman for other women. Live my purpose and absorb the experience, whilst learning and growing in the process. I aim to be a thought leader, who positively impacts the community through advocacy and leadership,” said the internationally recognised beauty queen.
She says to be a winner means living each day chasing your dreams and fulfilling your purpose. “If a person lives to fulfil their purpose, they automatically become a winner and community developer,” she concluded.
