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Bekezela Tshuma, Sunday Life Correspondent
IT is arguably undisputable that the modelling industry in Zimbabwe, during the mentorship and guidance of the late Kiki Divaris, boomed to great heights. While she took the wheel, her affectionate counsel, kind and loving heart earned her respect and admiration from her fellow colleagues whom she worked closely with in the modelling industry.
She is indeed sadly missed by a multitude, not only in the modelling industry but also countrywide. She had so much impact towards the country, hence she was awarded liberation war hero status — the first white woman to be accorded such. Many interesting tales could be told about her in loving memory.
With such influence, she indeed left a huge gap in the industry and because she was a mentor to many, one would sought to find out if those whom she left behind would carry the industry forward even without her guidance?
Veteran modelling guru, Sarah Mpofu-Sibanda outlines how the late Mrs Divaris impacted on her life and how her interaction with the late icon equipped her to carry on.
“To say the late Mrs Divaris was a formidable force to reckon with who did wholesomely well would, for me, come out as an understatement. This is because she instilled not only in me, I believe, but in many people from different walks of life a deep sense of self belief and self respect and the ability to acknowledge and appreciate the next person no matter who they are,” said Mpofu-Sibanda.
As the licence holder of the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe pageant, many are of the thought that she has very big shoes to fill since she will no longer get coaching from the late Mrs Divaris and would it be fair enough to level her performance with that of the late?
She had this to say, “From her I learnt that life is not about comparison and competition but instead about complementing each other. Hence I could never equate myself or want anyone to compare me to the late icon as I believe we are differently talented individuals. From where I stand the baton is in my hands now and I am willing to run the race to the benefit of my team, Zimbabwe, the best way I know how to and in the space allowed me by my country.”
She went on to highlight how the passing of the icon has impacted “The passing of the Mrs Divaris impacted negatively not only on the modelling industry but on all communities as she was a unifying force who used her artistic position to preach progress and unity.”
Her unique character is one which Mpofu-Sibanda describes and hopes that she, herself, has inherited some of the traits.
“Freedom of speech and delivery. Her passion was in her tongue and action, she was never one to shy from correcting injustice and that for the betterment of the industry. I hope a little of that rubbed off on me from the many years of hanging out with the diva,” said Mpofu-Sibanda.
In a bid to carry the modelling banner high and curb the challenges that the industry faces, she outlines this “I have tried to go back to the drawing board and taken the pageant back to the communities to whom it should belong without marginalising it and only affording it to a certain group of the society. Unfortunately pageantry is an expensive exercise that calls for a lot of sponsorship. I pray that the business communities and individuals at large rally behind the industry both financially and morally”
As parting shot, she highlighted on the positive backing the industry has from leaders of the country.
“Even before the passing of the late Mrs Divaris we witnessed big names in the country’s leadership appreciating Kiki’s office and giving it the respect it deserves. Some were to even take up office on her passing showing that she had really built a good reputation for the industry lacing it with professionalism. Today modelling is discussed at the highest of national tables and it is my intention to carry on the good works and take it even further from where Mrs Divaris left off. Given the support, modelling is an industry that should help in growing both our domestic and national tourism through various events, contests and pageants that can be planted around it. With the support of the custodians of the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe beauty pageant, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, in watch of my lead, I hope to bring positive recognition for the country through my position.”
Online Reporter