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Auxilia Katongomara Entertainment Correspondent
MISS Personality at Miss Zimbabwe 2011, Lungile “Cyclone Ree” Mathe has received another chance to shine on the ramp, as she is representing the country at the Miss Supranational beauty finals in Belarus. The China-based beauty joined 60 other beauties from all corners of the world in camp for the annual beauty extravaganza.
In an interview, local licence holder for the pageant, Sarah Mpofu-Sibanda said she was elated that Mathe was representing the country and was confident she would do her best at the show.
“Lungile is our ambassador in Belarus and I can confirm that she joined camp on Sunday. She had to ask for leave from work to take part in the pageant,” said Mpofu-Sibanda.
The 23-year-old model moved to China last year where she does beauty shows and deejaying.
However, earlier this year she had indicated that she would not be taking part in pageants.
“She has grown from what she went through and believe me she is no longer the same Ree that people knew and she has so much faith in herself,” said the modelling instructor.
A beauty show was not held in the country but Mpofu-Sibanda called on former models wishing to take part in the pageant to come for auditions but none were forthcoming.
“I sent invites to models in the country, as the contest is for models with a modelling history, but who were never crowned.
“Initially I had chosen Samantha Tshuma, but she is busy with her own shows now and I then settled for Ree,” she said.
The veteran modelling instructor said she almost gave up on the pageant as she struggled to get sponsorship for the model.
“It has not been easy, I had to raise money for the air tickets and visa fees as well as other expenses for Ree to fly from China to Belarus.
“It’s unfortunate that she could not get a bigger flag from the Zimbabwean Embassy in China and the national dress was also made in China, I am so excited to have pulled through and I hope Zimbabwe will support her, ” she said.
Zimbabwe last took part in the pageant three years ago and was invited to take part in this year’s contest.
Meanwhile, Ree confirmed her arrival in Belarus yesterday and highlighted that competition was stiff.
“Yes I am now in Belarus, we went for a photoshoot on Sunday and today (yesterday) we had a press conference.
“There are about 60 girls here and they are all beautiful, but I am hoping for the best,” said Mathe.
Mpofu-Sibanda said the pageant would become an annual event in the country.
“This is not a competition to other national pageants, but it signals the growth of the industry and I hope everyone in the industry will embrace and support it,” she said.
The Miss Supranational is run by the Panamanian group World Beauty Association. It has been held in Europe since it began in 2009.
This year’s queen will be crowned at the Sports Palace of Minsk in Belarus.
In spite of its newness, Miss Supranational has attracted 94 nations this year, making it one of the biggest international beauty pageants in the world.
The finalists began arriving for boot camp on Friday last week in preparation for the finals to be held on 8 September.
All candidates will be clad in national costumes, swim suits and evening gowns.
What makes the pageant unique is the age restriction. It is open to everyone up to the age of 27.
Online Reporter