Ntombi Gumede of South Africa is taking her campaign against discrimination to a global platform after she was crowned Mrs. Tourism Globe at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City last Saturday night.
“I would take it back to myself. We go back to the situation and the way we handle them, the way we come out of the situation, is always different.
I’ve been in cases where I have been discriminated,” said Ntombi when sought to give advice to people who suffer from any forms of discrimination, during a press conference after the crowning ceremony.
She added: “I cannot live on what the people are saying about me. Instead, I will focus on myself, my dreams and my goals. It doesn’t matter what the next person is saying about my race, as long as the person can focus on themselves, it doesn’t matter.”
The 40-year African businesswoman and radio personality urged the people to spread love. “There should be no discrimination. Discrimination can be color, can be race. Let us love one another. If you only have to love a stranger, then I don’t think it will go down to discrimination.”
This is the second time that Ntombi visited the Philippines. She said that she loves the Filipinos and the food here.
“People here are so friendly. The first time I came here but I didn’t get to see much because we stayed in the province. I’ve been posting about the food in the Philippines. It’s amazing!” she said.
Ntombi was crowned by Mrs. Tourism International Risa Caldoza de Leon of the Philippines and Ovette Ricalde, owner of Mrs. Tourism pageants.
Aside from discrimination, the South African beauty queen will also be busy in the preservation of lions in her country.
Ntombi has also established her own foundation called Gumede Foundation which donates sanitary pads, school shoes, and school socks not only in South Africa but also in Swaziland, Lesotho and Mozambique.
She is also Chief Executive Officer of her own company called Posh Brands which showcases kiddie salon and spa, talent management, beauty accessories, etc.
Ntombi is also a club disc jockey. She is currently shooting a reality show that features some of the most influential young women. She is also a brand ambassador for other products.
Ricalde said that the crowning of Ntombi is one of the activities that will lead up to the Mrs. Tourism 2018 beauty pageant which will be held in Dapitan province sometime in October.
Titles at stake are Mrs Tourism Earth, Mrs. Tourism Globe, Mrs. Tourism International, Mrs. Tourism World and Mrs. Tourism Universe. (Robert R. Requintina)