Mrs Curve’ Globe 2023 continues to inspire many as her reign comes to an end
After Lucia Simelane-Ochan returned from America, she said she hopes her story will serve as a reminder that inspires other women in Africa.
Mrs Curve’ Globe 2023 and Mrs Curve’ Globe Lifetime Achiever 2024, Play Your Part Ambassador and social entrepreneur, Lucia Simelane-Ochan, said her time at the helm of this internationally acclaimed pageant has been nothing but life-changing for her.
Speaking to Mpumalanga News shortly after her return from America where she attended a week-long coronation of the new Mrs Curve’ Globe, Simelane-Ochan said she hopes her story will inspire other females in Africa and serve as a reminder that nothing is impossible.
Simelane-Ochan was crowned in Palm Springs, California, last year when she competed against 77 other countries’ models.
“At first it was overwhelming as I had big shoes to fill, to stand in the gap for women all over the world, not only in my province or country. The journey became easier with the support I received from my province, country and neighbouring countries such as the Kingdom of eSwatini and Mozambique, as am situated in the Triland Zone,” she said.
“Due to this competition, I was able to judge two international pageants, Mrs European Nations in Greece and Mrs Globe in China, making this not only a great accomplishment for South Africa, but also for the African continent.”
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Simelane-Ochan also advocates for culture and heritage preservation and tourism participation, gender equality, women empowerment in marginalised communities, economic emancipation of women, and restoring dignity to humanity by promoting positive sustainable environmental impacts that create jobs opportunities, which assist rural young women.
This year she hosted the first annual event of the Glow: Make a Difference Outreach and Women’s Economic Empowerment Exhibition, which was launched at the Masisukumeni Women’s Crisis Centre in Nkomazi last year.
The Mrs Curve’ Globe pageant is the most prestigious beauty pageant in the world for women sizes 12+. It stands as a beacon of inclusivity and body positivity, showcasing the beauty of curves, highlighting advocacy for body confidence, women empowerment, culture, diversity, tourism and feminine leadership across the globe.
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During her tenure, Simelane-Ochan has conducted a number of notable charity drives throughout the province.
On parting, Simelane-Ochan said: “The advice I would give to other women who would like to participate in this pageant is that they need to be passionate about their goals, dreams and the path they have chosen. Be authentic and resilient, as this journey is not that easy, and always have a positive mindset.”
