Klipfontein’s pageant queen returns home
Mrs Africa Classic finalist makes difference in community
Klipfontein’s Myrtle Gray might be making a name for herself in the world of pageantry and philanthropy but has always remained true to her roots and upbringing.
The 48-year-old Mrs Ekurhuleni 2023 winner, who now goes on to participate in the finals of the Mrs Africa Classic pageant in March, returned on Saturday to her place of birth in Klipfontein, a half-hour’s drive from Port Alfred to touch base with family and friends.
And clearly, leaving Klipfontein for the bright lights of Johannesburg at the age of 15, about 33 years ago, has not diminished her love for her humble roots.
“This is my humble home,” she said, showing us around the surroundings she was raised in during her formative years.
Gray’s mother, Cynthia Jacobs, listens intently to her daughter and respectfully acknowledges her instructions as to every picture she wants taken with her.
Brother and sister, Roger Jacobs and Sharon Magrimo, stand happily by her side as Gray requests a drive down a dusty, gravel road to interact with the community.
Gray points out on the drive towards the village’s main road the Klipfontein Nursery School.
“This is what I did with the help of my husband and children; we restored the nursery school, which is fully functioning and we are immensely proud of it.”
The locals wave and are excited as she passes by, recognising that a daughter of Klipfontein has come home, albeit for a brief visit.
Gray, who describes herself as a “born philanthropist”, has spearheaded many an upliftment project up north.
“In Johannesburg, I mostly work with the elderly, where I’ve started a campaign: ‘I’m Not Forgotten’.
“I applaud people who help needy children, especially street children, and I am an activist for the anti-gender-based violence campaign,” she said.
However, Gray’s mission currently is focusing her energies on the elderly because “many of them don’t have a voice and are not up-to-date with current events that affect their lives.
“This is where I step in and become their voice and their face.”
Her outreaches for the elderly through her “I am Not Forgotten” NPO include diaper donor projects and regular visits to old age homes in an effort to help restore people’s dignity.
Gray is an aspiring author having written in 2020 her first book, The Fatherless Daughter a well-received account of her experiences growing up as a child which served as a self-healing exercise.
Gray’s love for children is evident as she stops to take time to speak to them and says being home in Klipfontein makes her feel grounded. “There's no place that makes me feel more grounded than standing here back home”.
The community activist and beauty queen who is married with three daughters of her own, is swamped by admirers, friends and children as she walks the street and stops to take pictures.
Laurika Coltman, who hails from Klipfontein, said that Gray had a huge impact on her life.
“I was introverted and had low selfesteem but getting to know Myrtle about six years ago changed my thinking and outlook and turned me into the confident individual I am now.
“I label her a humanitarian who has a positive impact on people and can be credited for changing the lives of others. “She is my biggest inspiration.” Gray who thoroughly enjoyed her upbringing running through the wide open veld and fresh air as a child in Klipfontein has a list of projects she’d like to see take off in her home village.
“I’d like to see infrastructure being upgraded and educational facilities being established.
“We really do need our own library and clinic for the medical needs of the elderly as they have to travel far for medical assistance.
“But my dream is to come back one day to establish a library in Klipfontein.”
I applaud people who help needy children, especially street children, and I am an activist for the antigender-based violence campaign