HARARE – Model Belinda Potts was crowned Miss World Zimbabwe on Saturday at Orchids Gardens in Domboshava.
Patricia Rufaro Muchenje and Kuzivakwashe Mujakachi were crowned first and second princess respectively.
The queen went home $20,000 richer along with a ticket to China and a vehicle to top it all off. The first princess won $15,000 and the second winning $10,000.
Mujakachi was also crowned Miss Personality after she was voted as the people’s choice. A title which came with an additional $5,000.
Licence holder of the pageant Mary Chiwenga said she was happy with the work done by the committee.
“Due to other commitments I decided to hand over the day to day running of the pageant to the committee and they did well. I’m happy about that,” she said.
She said the full potential of the modeling industry is yet to be realised in Zimbabwe.
“Modeling encompasses a number of aspects that include design, make up and fashion, therefore it has the potential to create more jobs and also to be a multi-million dollar industry, but it is yet to be realised,” she said.
She also paid tribute to the late Kiki Divaris, the previous pageant licence holder, saying she played a very important role in shaping the modelling industry in the country.
Other models who were contesting included Yollanda Chimbarami, Yollanda Warambwa, Bridget Vambe, Gracious Manyanhaire, Ivy Mupararamo, Courtney Matende, Musawenkosi Dlamini, Francina Katuruza, Concelia Karemb and Wendy Maturi.
The pageant spokesperson Tendai Chirau thanked Mary Chiwenga, sponsors and the models for their determination to make the event a success.
Potts said she was elated to be crowned Miss World Zimbabwe and promised to represent the nation well at Miss World finals to be held in China.
Several diginitaries that include both Zimbabwean Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, newly-appointed Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Prisca Mupfumira and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority boss Karikoga Kaseke were in attendance.
Tawanda Marwizi, Business Times
