XploreZA My Perfect Holiday with Jessica Mbangeni
BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
Singer and praise poet, Jessica Mbangeni, trended for days on social media, being fat-shamed for sharing pictures of her wearing a bikini while on vacation in Dubai. Not a stranger to controversy, Jessica was not bothered by the noise and says she would not change anything about her perfect holiday.
I go by the name Dr Bishop Jessica Mbangeni. I occupy many spaces as a singer, a praise poet, fashion designer, and a businesswoman.
I own a record label, KwaNtu Entertainment Designs, and KwaNtu Afrocentric Designs, a clothing and craft manufacturer, and travel the world to showcase our culture, spread the Word of God, and grace global music and poetry festival stages.
My recent trip was to Hong Kong and Dubai where I spent 20 days. It was a combination of business and pleasure. I traveled with my two sons, who were on their first international trip, and my business partner and her sibling.
I was in Hong Kong for the Asia World Expo and in Dubai on private business, to explore opportunities to expand my business, KwaNtu Afrocentric Designs, in October 2023.
In Hong Kong we stayed at Pullman Parklane Hotel, a 5-star hotel with a variety of amenities such as international restaurants, gym facilities, swimming pools, and sauna. They also have a supermarket and a pharmacy for convenience.
We visited Disney World Hong Kong. I wished I had more energy to enjoy rollercoaster rides and some adrenaline-inducing games. I had to take it easy owing to my health challenges. My sons enjoyed the rides with my friend.
In Dubai we stayed at JA Oceanview Hotel in sea-facing rooms with balconies, a short walking distance to the beach. We enjoyed evening rides on a Yacht as well as the Desert experience. I wished I could run across the desert and sand dunes, but I’m not as fit as I used to be.
Dubai’s temperatures were 43 degrees, and I wore my bikini without an overlay and broke the internet. I believe I inspired many women by showing how comfortable I am with my dark skin, cellulite, body fat and all.
Dubai is popular as a Health and Wellness tourism destination, most women go there for Botox and skin bleaching. I kept on being recruited everywhere I went, and I was not interested.
We enjoyed fine dining at Skye Rooftop restaurant in Hong Kong and the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai. I always stick to ribeye steak and sweet potato chips because I am on bodybuilding program.
I don’t miss out on an opportunity to do business. At a pool party, I sell my jewelry, take orders and add customers to our growing database. I also explored other business opportunities similar to my interests.
I always book my trip through Hambo Lwethu Travel. They are attentive, go out of the way to prepare my itenerary and take me through online check-ins from the airport to hotels. They also vet companies that offer tourist activities to ensure that I’m safe and don’t get scammed. www.hambolwethu.co.za
Jessica’s travel tips
- Have travel insurance that covers your medical expenses and repatriation should you die abroad.
- When traveling on economy class check how much luggage is included in your ticket and the price of the excess luggage.
- Find out if you will need a transit Visa when connecting flights between destinations.
- When you travel with children be fully present, listen to them attentively and be encouraging when they their opinions or make mistakes.
