Community to the rescue

Simbarashe Mutizwa Showbiz Reporter
THE Miss Curvy Africa pageant, which was initially slated for November 28 in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek and cancelled over Ebola fears, has shifted base and will now be held in Victoria Falls on December 20 as Zimbabwe is Ebola-free.Twenty six curvaceous beauties from Nigeria, South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Cameroon, Zambia, Kenya and Zimbabwe are expected to converge in the resort town next week Friday for their boot camp ahead of the finale to be held at Sopers Arcade.

Mercy ‘Catwalk’ Mushaninga – organiser of the event – said the event would now be held in Zimbabwe to show the rest of the world that the nation was Ebola free.

“After people in Victoria Falls found out that the contest had been cancelled in Namibia, they invited me to come and discuss the possibilities of hosting the event there.

“Most of them told me this was an opportunity to show the rest of the world that Zimbabwe is an Ebola free nation, hence the decision to host the pageant in the resort town,” Catwalk said.

Asked if they did not risk meeting contestants from West African countries which were hit hard by Ebola, Catwalk said contestants from Nigeria and Cameroon had informed her that their countries had been declared Ebola free.

Zimbabwe will be represented at the contest by Sheila Chikengezha from Harare who is the reigning Miss Curvy Zimbabwe 2014, her second princess Chengetayi Mnisi and first princess Chantelle Jeradi.

Catwalk said Bulawayo beauty, Nomvula Sibanda, had been added to the lineup as she was one of the contestants who did well during the Miss Curvy Zimbabwe finals.

Various activities have been lined up for the participants during their 10-day boot camp.

“A lot of interesting, mind opening activities have been lined up for the contestants including village tours where they will experience village life.
“They will also visit the Falls, Crocodile Farm, go for sunset cruises and participate in other activities in the resort town,” Catwalk said.

The pageant, which celebrates and recognises curvaceous African women, will be held under the theme: “Models Against Hunger in Africa”.
Catwalk said the contest, which is now in its second year, received enormous support from the tourism sector.

“The mayor of Victoria Falls also pledged to fully support the pageant as he believes it will put the country on the map. We’ve partnered Khanondo Tours and Safaris who will provide the ladies with accommodation and all the holiday activities,” she said.