Jambo Africa Online features African tourism’s phenomenal advocate, Linky Ramalepe, from the hinterland of Hammanskraal who hoists our continental flag sky high across the world…
Mrs Tourism Queen International Pageant (MTQIP) is an international beauty pageant for married woman all over the world representing their countries of origin to the best of their ability simply by being who they are. These could be community development workers, caregivers, business women, leaders, public figures and so on and so forth.
The pageant is intended to promote sustainable tourism – and the simplest way is to try and reduce the negative impact on the environment and society when traveling, and to promote the economic development of tourism destinations. Sustainable tourism or sustainable travel emphasises not only the care of the environment, but the balance of the ecological environment, social culture and local economy. According to UNWTO, sustainable tourism is defined as “full consideration of the current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, implementing tourism methods that meet the needs of tourists, industries, the environment and local communities.”
With the theme, “Promoting Sustainable Tourism, Culture and Friendship”, the 2023 MTQIP world final was the highlight of the year and a platform to promote International Tourism, Cultural Exchange at the same time curate a unique pageant experience which emphasises womanhood promoting the true essence of empowerment, inclusive, diversity and sustainability.
South Africa is pleased to welcome Linky Ramalepe back from Thailand where she participated in the MTQIP. “I am a 50-year-old married mother of 3 kids (aged between 18 and 24) from Suurman, a rural village in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria. I am a graduate of the University of Pretoria with a BA in Public Administration and Management, a Post Graduate Diploma in Communication Management and I’m currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with UNICAF University.
“I am a God-fearing woman with an inner beauty, smart, humble, principled and hope to bring change in the SADC region by working with everyone from different cultural backgrounds – including those that are previously disadvantaged. I am a selfless woman who loves to serve God in many ways – be it gospel singing, giving to the needy and sharing the powerful word of God within the ministry of African Immanuel Assemblies of God. I love dancing and travelling a lot.
“I am an entrepreneur, a businesswoman, a lioness, a natural born-leader, a public figure and an inspiration to myself and others. I am the founder of Ramalepe Security and Cleaning Service which has now evolved and grew to be at the centre of business holding empire which I have named Ramalepe Group Pty (Ltd) – it provides a bouquet of diverse services.”
She is also a life coach, an assessor who likes to transfer skills and motivate, share her journey of life encouraging everyone she meets to fulfil their dreams.
This former Mrs SA Semi-Finalist and the Mangwanani Ambassador for 2015 currently holds such multiple titles as the “Mrs Africa Classic 1st Princess 2023”, “Face of Africa 2023” and “Dignity Dreams Ambassador 2023”.
Courtesy of these illustrious titles, Linky qualified to compete and represent South Africa in Thailand at the Mrs Tourism Queen International Pageant from 8 to 16 April 2023.
Through her foundation, she continues with her seasonal commitments such as:
- Glove drive: whereby I donate winter gloves and hats to the needy
- Food drive: a weekly responsibility to feed two multipurpose centres in Hammanskraal (Kanana & Maubane areas).
- Shoe Drive: I also adopted a primary school named Iketleng to which I need to donate shoes for the learners – and in pursuance this noble cause I’m now soliciting sponsorship from conscientious corporates to I help this initiative.
- I volunteer as a principal at a non-profit organisation (NPO) called Kanana Multipurpose Centre whereby we care for vulnerable kids and those orphaned by HIV/AIDS-related illnesses and other diseases.
- I also volunteer as a manager at an elderly club called Kgotlelelo whereby I teach elders from previously disadvantaged backgrounds on how to read and write; how to alleviate poverty in their communities by doing embarking on subsistence farming projects even in their backyards; and helping them establish arts and cultural projects.
“My focus area is on assisting poor African immigrants faced with multicultural, diversity and economic challenges which have forced them to immigrate to SA which has its own critical problems by engaging with their leaders (especially in our neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland) to help them brand position their countries as viable destinations for tourism and investment.
Their itinerary in Thailand though competitive was full of various fun and soul-soothing activities that included a glitzy welcome and Sash ceremony; recreational programme; city tours; photo shoots; talent show; flora parade and Songkran festival; the World Finals for the “Mrs Tourism Queen International 2023” which was the mainstay event.
There were Top 5 Winners in various categories which were “Mrs Tourism Queen International Winner”, “Mrs Global Tourism Winner”, “Mrs Tourism Queen International 1st Runner-Up”, “Mrs Tourism Queen International 2nd Runner-Up”, “Mrs Tourism Queen International 3rd Runner-Up” and “Mrs Tourism Queen International 4th Runner-Up”.
There were Mrs Tourism Winners from 5 Continents – one from Europe, Americas, Oceania, Africa and Asia.
The sub-categories for the Talent Night Award included “Mrs Talent Queen Winner” and two runners-up. And subsidiary titles included “Mrs Photogenic”, “Mrs. Elegance”, “Mrs Charming”, “Mrs Fitness”, “Mrs. Popularity”, “Mrs. Friendship”, “Mrs. Personality”, “Mrs Best Cat walk”,
“Mrs Ambassador”, “Mrs Best Traditional Costume” and Mrs Charity Queen”.
The grand total prize to be won was worth over USD20 000.00.