Miss Tourism Universe SA jets off
BORN on the dusty streets of Gamalakheon the KwaZuluNatal South Coast and raised by her grandmother, 20-yearold Amahle Ngaleka is jetting off to Lebanon to represent South Africa in the 2016 Miss Tourism Universe showpiece.
Ngaleka, a sales consultant, booked her place to the pageant in Lebanon last month when she won the SA edition of Miss Tourism Universe, ahead of 11 other girls from across the country.
She dedicated her success to her late mother and grandmother, saying she would be flying for the first time in her life and promised to represent SA well abroad.
“I’m thankful to be the one going to represent the country in Lebanon. For me, going there will teach me new things. I’m not having the winning [at all costs] attitude, but to learn what Miss Tourism Universe and other cultures have to offer.
“In all, where I am is because of my late mother who made sure when I grew up I had food on the table although she was unemployed. After she passed away my grandmother was a pillar of strength and I never felt like an orphan in my life. Therefore, I owe my success to them,” said Ngaleka.
Miss Tourism South Africa organiser Gugu Nyarenda of Mzimari Productions bid Ngaleka farewell in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, yesterday. Nyarenda said Ngaleka has shown growth and strength.
“Amahle is our example as the first organisers of the pageant. Go girl and represent the country well. We know it is not going to be easy, you’re not there representing your family and KwaZulu-Natal, but the country. Our aim is to change the life of a girl child.
“Go there and do not be discouraged by the weaves you will see some wearing there. Be an African, all in all a South African girl.”
ANC Youth League deputy president Desmond Moela told Ngaleka that she was representing the country. “As a country, we’re praying and will be praying for you to represent the country well. Know that KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga are one.”
The dread-locked Ngaleka leaves SA today and the pageant is on September 16.
Moela and Nyarenda will accompany Ngaleka and watch the pageant in two weeks’ time.