adminMalaika Mushandu
WHEN I heard you had passed on, I wanted to shed tears and sulk, thinking of how life would be without you. Then I started to reminisce on the encounters we had and the blissful memories you are leaving me with. You celebrated every living thing, you knew the divisions the world has due to the different labels given of race, religion, nationality and you consciously painted over those labels and the world around you in one shade, a shade called life. The first time I visited you at your home, I was immediately consumed by your world. Your home was decorated with memorabilia you had collected throughout your life, even the most simple of furniture – a dining room chair held a story of how some official had sat there.
Moving from the sitting area to your bedroom there were four walls that contained vast designs of fashion that you would mix and change around to create a different look. If one did not scrutinise you, they would think you went shopping every other day, but all you did was simply give good value to garments.
Inside those four walls I also learnt the importance of culture and gained an appreciation of local designs. It would not do your memory justice if I did not mention your crochet collection. Leaving us in 2015 when the world’s eyes are on Africa, it may now be easy for people to find beauty in locally made garments such as your crotchet collection, but just a few years back when I was crowned Miss Zimbabwe, the fashion world had just started tapping into Africa for inspiration. I (now shamefully) as one of the many children who were exposed to the western influence of what is aesthetically beautiful and fashionable, saw my eyes being opened. I began to respect the art of how a single piece of thread was crocheted into intricate designs and valued the artistic vision of the crafters.
I write about all this because everyone knows about how you impacted the modelling industry in Zimbabwe and gave me and others that have similar dreams a chance. I’m however, mostly grateful for you helping me to be a better person as you shared your knowledge beyond modelling. I walked into your house a lanky introvert and those that might have seen me that day may not have seen the difference when I walked out. The day you entered my life, you planted a seed. As the seed took root in me, I began to be carved into a woman of tenacity and excellence. The seed you planted has sprouted and keeps growing.
This is not goodbye, for as long I remember you, you shall live on in my heart!
Malaika Mushandu is former Miss Zimbabwe 2011. She worked closely with Kiki Divaris during her reign.
Online Reporter