Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu
Youth Interactive Writer
AFTER dazzling at the just-ended “Mr Little and Miss Africa Continental” finals, four little teen models left a mark in Egypt.
Not only did their showcase earn them accolades, but it also helped showcase the rich potential of Zimbabwean talent on an international stage.
The four little trailblazers, Waishe Maverick Mugumeri, Nomuqhele Nikita Mlauzo, Nothando Gugulethu Sibanda, Ryan Fengu, armed with ambition, represented Zimbabwe against nine other countries.
Their personalities captivated judges and audiences alike, who even voted for the darling of the crowd accolade.
Due to financial circumstances, some of the contestants failed to travel.
Despite the challenges, National Director for the pageant, Shalom Museba, was impressed by the performance.
“We took off to Egypt for ‘Mr Little and Miss Africa Continental’ finals with confidence, and we proved a point.
“The competitions are first held at the national stage and then at the continental pageant. This year, there were nine countries and we went with four children instead of eight due to challenges.
“I am happy that our representatives worked so hard and wowed the crowd. We managed to scoop four top awards and some individual flashes of brilliance.
“We brought home, ‘Mr Teen Africa’, ‘Toto Mister Africa’, and ‘Top Model Africa’. Nothando was the first runner-up ‘Miss Toto Africa’ and was the best talent.
“Ryan won the ‘Mr Teen Africa’, best talent, best cultural wear, and best evening suit. While Nothando also got the best talent for playing Mbira.
“Nomuqhele had the Fashion Icon and ‘Little Top Model Africa’.
“Waishe Maverick Mugumeri was the ‘Toto Mr Africa’ and also won the Darling of the crowd,” said Museba.
She was also happy that the children had good exposure to different cultural backgrounds.
“I am impressed that the children had a good opportunity to meet different people of different cultural backgrounds. It was a good experience, and it encourages us to work harder.
“Last year we had ‘Mini Mr Africa’, and this year we managed to grab the main titles. This is a great improvement, and this pageant educates the kids and it gives them exposure and they mingle with different contestants from different African countries about different cultures,” she added.
After this competition, the children will not have to proceed to Universal International set for India this month.
“We will now be heading to Universe International in May.
“We are appealing to potential sponsors to chip in and help the children reach their dreams. Travelling and fulfilling these regional and international competitions is not easy. The costs are not a walk in the park, and it’s sad that some children fail to travel due to a lack of resources, yet they will be talented.
“We went with four children to Egypt, yet they were supposed to be eight. So, most of the times, children have talents, but due to capacity, some of them miss their opportunities,” she appealed.
Despite all the hiccups, she thanked all the sponsors who are always there to assist.
“I am happy that we made it this far, and we had to try our best.
“It’s not easy when you don’t have financial assistance, but we appreciate those who helped us, including Zodwa Mkandla, Genesis.
“These kids have been doing this alone, and we thank God for his grace, and we continue to work hard so that we help grow this little child and their ambition.”
