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Auxilia Katongomara Entertainment Correspondent
THE Miss Universities Zimbabwe crown has remained in Bulawayo for the second year running after another City of Kings model Valerie Gugulethu Chingonzo was crowned the 2013 Miss Universities at the weekend. The 22-year-old Chingonzo takes over from fellow city model, Mellissa Shumba.
Bulawayo continues to produce the best models who dominate the prestigious pageants such as Miss Zimbabwe and the new pageant on the block, Miss Universities.
Chingonzo is now based in Harare where she is studying towards a Women’s and Gender Honours Degree at the Women’s University of Africa.
In an interview, the elated Chingonzo said she could still not believe that she was this year’s winner.
“It’s amazing, I’m very happy. Miss Universities pageant aims at empowering the girl child and I am already empowered because apart from the car, the pageant has already changed my life. Fees for two of my semesters would be paid for and I won gadgets that will assist me in my studies,” said Chingonzo.
The former Miss Bulawayo 2012 first princess said she was proud to be representing Bulawayo.
“I am proud to be representing my home town and I have added to the long list of models that have proved that the City of Kings is indeed the home of beauties. I would like to pay tribute to Aunt Sarah Mpofu-Sibanda and Amanda Mtangadura who really groomed me to be who I am today,” she said.
Chingonzo said her mother was her pillar of strength as she groomed her to be the woman she is today. Her father passed away when she was young.
For winning the crown, Chingonzo walked away with a Toyota Vitz, iPad and tuition fees for two semesters among other cash prizes and hampers.
She said she was yet to acquire a driver’s licence but already has a learner driver’s licence.
Chingonzo is not new to winning pageants as she was crowned Miss Henry Low in 2003.
In 2007, she won the Miss Teen Angel title and in 2011 she scooped the Miss Professional Rotaract.
She also finished in the top six of the Miss-Zim Southern Africa in 2011.
Online Reporter