Deaf model conquers Africa

Bruce Ndlovu
Although born with speech and hearing impediments, Zimbabwean model Kudakwashe Mapeture is proving true beauty transcends shallow standards of a�?normalitya�? as she continues to fly the countrya��s flag high on the international stage. Last week she made it to the podium of the Miss Deaf Africa contest held in Cape Town, South Africa where she was crowned as the first princess while she was also the winner of the Miss Photogenic contest in the same competition.

This yeara��s final was held at Durbanville High School in Cape Town on 30 July.

With the mission to bring deaf and hearing communities together, the pageant was founded by Maria Sivertsen in 2012, and has grown from strength to strength since then.

During the pageant, guests watched the finalists model and dance to music as they showed off their talents in traditional attire. The instructions and questions are conducted in sign language as a means of raising awareness about this vital language as well.

The 24-year-old beauty is not a newcomer to the world of pageants. She took part in Miss Deaf 2012 before heading to Prague in the Czech Republic a year later to represent Zimbabwe at the Miss and Mr Deaf World Pageant where she made it into the top 10.

Before her departure for this yeara��s Miss Deaf contest, she had encouraged the Zimbabwean populace to rally behind her.

a�?It doesna��t matter that you are deaf or dumb, come out and showcase your talent as deaf youth, come leta��s unite together and support each other in this pageant,a�? she said.