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After a marathon preparation to head to the Asian country, her troubles were far from over, as she had a torrid time from the moment she set foot on Chinese soil.
The 23-year-old, whose trip to China hung in the balance for weeks before her departure, literally funded her preparations for the Miss World finals, as she was forced to use her prize money for accommodation and other requirements.
Saturday Leisure caught up with the Bulawayo beauty who put up a lacklustre performance at finals of the glamorous event because of ill-preparedness and problems she faced in China.
Dhlakama, an executive secretary by profession, said she did not want to make excuses for her failure, but blamed organisers of Miss Zimbabwe for poor organisation.
“The nation knows that I had two months’ preparation time before I went to China, but I do not want to make excuses for my failure, I did my best,” she said confidently.
Dhlakama said when she landed at Beijing International Airport she was stranded for hours as she struggled to communicate and getting overnight accommodation, before boarding a flight to Ordos, Inner Mongolia, where she was to join other finalists the following morning.
“After landing at Beijing Airport, I had five suitcases and no one was there to welcome me and show me where I was to put up for the night. I struggled to communicate because I can’t speak Chinese, sooner than later I realised that the country coordinators had not arranged for my accommodation and was then forced to use my own money,” she said.
She said she had exhausted her $10 000 prize money which was availed to her a week before her departure to China.
“After getting my prize money, I rushed to South Africa to get some of my stuff that I needed for the Miss World beauty pageant.
“Everything was happening so fast, I travelled to South Africa to buy some of the necessities for the pageant and had to get my traditional costume done and my skirt was not finished on time.
“Upon arrival in Ordos, the Miss World organisers were so demanding, each day I was forced to buy something, the make up kits, country flag, among others and all this time I was digging deeper into my own pocket,” said the soft spoken beauty.
She took a swipe at the Miss Zimbabwe Trust and urged them to be more organised and support the forthcoming beauty contest as much as they can.
Dhlakama said the Miss Zimbabwe Trust did not avail her with a camera to do proper footage for the “beauty with a purpose project”, which carried 50 percent of the marks.
“My footage I believe was the worst because it comprised of a voice over and a few pictures for my cervical cancer project for the beauty with a purpose category that carried 50 percent of the total marks. Miss Zimbabwe Trust did not avail me with a camera when I was going for my cervical cancer awareness programme. I only realised that when I met other girls in China. There is a lot that is required before one travels for the finals,” she said.
Dhlakama said although her trip had been marred by glitches from the onset, she had a wonderful time with other finalists.
“Despite the challenges I had a wonderful time meeting 115 girls from different countries staying together, touring China and above all the food was really great.
“I made contacts with most girls and my roommate from South Sudan was a great person,” Dhlakama said with a smile.
The model added that the remainder of her prizemoney was used for her overweight luggage on her way back.
Bulawayo’s premier modelling instructor Sarah Mpofu commended Dhlakama for her perseverance during the run up to the finals.
“To me she is a winner, I think she did well. It was a competition and the rightful winner had to be crowned at the end of the day.
“We should remember that her departure was marred by problems and remained uncertain for some time, but I want to commend her for her boldness and patience through the hard times she faced as she fought to fly her country’s flag,” said Mpofu.
The veteran modelling instructor who has produced a number of outstanding models said this was the time for stakeholders to meet and plan ahead to avoid such embarrassing incidents in the future.
“We appreciate all who made her China trip possible, but it is high time that organisers go to the drawing board and start preparations for the next pageant,” she said.
No comment could be obtained from Miss Zimbabwe Trust patron Kiki Divaris as she was said to be busy at the Harare Agricultural Show and does not have a mobile phone.
The Miss Zimbabwe pageant took a sharp turn for the worst after the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority pulled out of the pageant after running it for six successive years.
Dhlakama’s predecessor Malaika Mushandu did exceptionally well in the pageant raising the country’s hope as she had ample time to prepare.
Malaika was crowned Miss Zimbabwe 2011 in February and started her preparations in June for the Miss World finals held six months later in November.
She finished in the top 15 overall and excelled in almost all the fast track events.
Dhlakama had only six weeks to prepare and also had to buy the African attire that she wore for the talent dance category, where she performed isitshikitsha.
Except for the full wardrobe that she received from Edgars as part of the prize for winning the Miss Zimbabwe title, Dhlakama has nothing to show for her success as she exhausted her $10 000 prizemoney.
Online Reporter