(Left to right) Gloria Luyindula Nkula from Angola (1st runner-up), Boitumelo Mphusu from Botswana (winner), Prisca Tshibol from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2nd runner-up) (WANG XIANG/BEIJING REVIEW)

On March 12, the Golden Harbor Hotel in Beijing held the first edition of Miss Mama Africa.  

The contestants, African students doing their higher studies in China, appeared on stage in their traditional costumes, dancing to the beat of African music. They then appeared in city clothes followed by a final appearance to deliver a short speech each. They spoke in English, French and Spanish, promoting women's unity, women's empowerment and peace.  

A bright smile (WANG XIANG/BEIJING REVIEW)

The 24-year-old Boitumelo Mphusu, also known as Tumie, galvanized the audience with her inspired speech on the impact of individual action for progress. "Is world peace possible? I don't know, but peace in my world is!" she concluded. 

A fashion show at the Miss Mama Africa pageant (WANG XIANG/BEIJING REVIEW)

Living in China for five years, Tumie described African women with panache: "I describe African women in an acronym: A for always being there, F for the fire to succeed, R for no regrets, I for intelligence, C for courage and A for anticipation, anticipating every challenge that will come through."  

Boitumelo Mphusu is crowned Miss Mama Africa  (WANG XIANG/BEIJING REVIEW)

The young woman not only conquered the audience but her fellow contestants also seemed pleased with her victory, "She really deserves it," said Prisca Tshibol, a contestant from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  

Finalists savor their triumph  (WANG XIANG/BEIJING REVIEW)