Rwanda’s Miss Heritage 2016, Jane Mutoni emerged first runner up at the annual Miss Heritage Global competition.

The pageant held at Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg, South Africa, from February 8 - 18, saw Mutoni battle it out with 44 contestants drawn from across the world. The 2016-2017 Miss Heritage Global competition was won by 20-year-old Théodora P. Marais from France.

It was the first time for Mutoni to be in South Africa, but had a wonderful experience interacting with different cultures. She says her best part of the pageant was the two day boot camp, where the contestants had the opportunity to tour different parts of Johannesburg.

This pageant brings together women from across the globe to showcase the culture of their respective countries. The 20-year-old says it was such a rewarding opportunity.

Mutoni’s eloquence and charisma impressed the judges. She credits all this to her good preparation before travelling to Johannesburg.

"Before I left I had learnt a lot about our culture and its diversity and tried to relate it to other cultures across the world. I was able to present my culture very well. One of the criteria was also how you present yourself before people and respond to the questions which I think I passed,” adds Mutoni.

She intends to use her title to promote cultural tourism and also enlighten the youth on the wealth of their culture, and encourage them to have pride in their culture.

"Winning this crown was a historic moment for me and will help me showcase the beauty of our country and culture to those who don’t know that there’s more to Rwandans than our tragic past,” she says.

"The pageant was filled with so many good memories and important lessons—we learned everything from the very beginning,” she adds.

Mutoni is not the first one to represent Rwanda at the Miss Heritage Global, as Miss Heritage 2015 Joanna Keza Bagwire represented the country during her reign, scooping second place in Africa and fourth globally.

Having handed over the mantle to her successor Miss Heritage 2017, Guelda Shimwa, who also doubles as the first runner up Miss Rwanda 2017, Mutoni intimated that she had confidence that Shimwa will use her title well.

"I believe she has more potential and ability than I do to represent the country,” she says.

She admits that her reign has not been an easy one but her focus on exposing the culture of the country and not just the amenities that come with the title, is more important.

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