It’s members only affair at Miss Zim

Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter—
Those intending to attend the Miss Zimbabwe pageant taking place this Saturday should be prepared to part with an arm and a leg as tickets are selling for a whooping US$3 000 for a table of 10 or US$300 for individuals.
It does not end there as there are limited tables that the Miss Zimbabwe Trust will only sell to selected corporates and individuals.

“The pageant is going to be a classy black tie event that is strictly by invitation. Tickets are already being sold and people should expect something different in the history of Miss Zimbabwe.

“Only those we feel will add value to the pageant will be considered to attend the function.

The rest of the people will have to watch the pageant from home as it will be screened on television,” said Marry Chiwenga, the Miss Zimbabwe Trust chairperson.

The girls were sashed last week at a ceremony that was graced by Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander, General Constantine Chiwenga.

This followed a trip to Victoria Falls where finalists spent the whole of Saturday afternoon before flying back to Harare in the evening.

Some of the models have been disqualified and there are 15 finalists left in camp.

“It has not been rosy for the girls that are in boot camp.

They are going through intensive grooming, rehearsals and also experiencing Zimbabwe through tours,” she said.

Asked if the models had also had exposure through interacting with established models,the trust’s chairperson had this to say;

“The girls have interacted with former Miss Universe Langa Sibanda, who gave them beauty tips.

“They also spend most of their time with me and Pamela (Hakunavanhu the trust’s spokesperson) who were models back in the 90s. That is good enough for them,” she said.

A South African-based Zimbabwean designer Chichi Chidhakwa will dress the remaining 15 finalists for the event.

Artistes billed to perform at the event include Trevor Dongo and Jah Prayzah who has written a theme song for the pageant.

“Everything is now in place as the stage has been set up for the tented event. With the help of Minister Shamhu we have secured an SMS platform that people will use to vote for the people’s choice award,” she said.

Environment, Water and Climate Minister Saviour Kasukuwere will be the guest of honour.

The theme of the pageant is “Taking Zim-Asset to greater heights.”