adminstudent at Trust Academy won a whopping US$3 000 plus a return air ticket courtesy of Air Zimbabwe to a regional destination of her choice.
The 21-year-old beauty from Mashonaland Central impressed the judges, among them former Miss Zimbabwe Malaika Mashandu.
Tariro Mani was crowned first princess and she pocketed US$2 500, while Primrose Charehwa got US$2 000 for being the second princess.
Chipo Dete was crowned Miss Personality and Nelisiwe Nhare was picked as the people’s choice.
But Melissa oozed with confidence as she glided on the ramp amid cheers from the audience in traditional wear and night wear.
While other models stumbled during the question and answer segment, for Melissa it was an easy walk in the park.
“Well, I prepared so much for the pageant and I was expecting nothing but a win. However the competition was tough because all the other contestants were beautiful, he said, adding that, “As the Miss 21st, I want to engage young women to register to vote and I also want women to take advantage of the opportunities of empowerment that the nation is giving to the girl child.”
Besides thrills on the ramp, there were standout performances by ExQ, Shinsoman and Mudiwa Mtandwa of the “Ndaita Mari” fame.
Notables at the pageant were senior Zanu-PF officials among them Secretary for Youth Affairs Cde Absolom Sikhosana, chairman of the Harare Province Cde Amos Midzi, the National Secretary for Land reform and resettlement in the Youth league Anastancia Ndhlovu and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Mr Karikoga Kaseke.
Online Reporter