Malaika crowned Miss Zim

By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Malaika Mashandu was crowned Miss Zimbabwe 2011 after she beat 33 other contestants at a colourful pageant held at the Harare International Conference Centre on Saturday evening.
The 18-year-old beauty exuded confidence and had the capacity crowd firmly backing her for the top honour.
For winning the crown, Malaika — which means angel in kiSwahili — will represent Zimbabwe at the Miss World pageant scheduled for later this year.
She won a courtesy car — whose make is yet to be made public and US$22 000 in cash.
The prizes will be presented at a later date.
Like her predecessor, Samantha Tshuma, Malaika was crowned in a ceremony involving the Presidential Gua-          rd.
Although she won big, Malaika was neither surprised nor overwhelmed as this wasn’t her first time to feature at the pageant.
She has been a contestant since 2008 and her dedication finally paid off this year.
Lisa Morgan, another regular Miss Zimbabwe contestant, finally made it this year after she was crowned Miss Universe Zimbabwe.
She will represent Zimbabwe at Miss Universe (World) and got a US$16 000 cash prize.
Rumbidzai Mudzengerere was another big winner at the event after she was picked Miss Tourism Zimbabwe.
The 24-year-old proved to all and sundry that she is a beauty with brains exhibiting eloquence and knowledge of the country’s tourism resorts.
She will represent the country at Miss Tourism World.
Top fashion designer Joyce Chimanye, dub poet Albert Nyathi, ZBH chief executive Happison Muchechetere and former Miss Zimbabwe Brita Masalethulini, were among the judges.
This year, event organisers the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, rebranded the event in line with international standards so that three models represent Zimbabwe at Miss Tourism World, Miss World and Miss Universe.
The event was held under the theme “Promoting peace through tourism”.
Among the VIPs were State Security Minister Sydney Sekeramayi Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi and their spouses.