Miss Carnival models go into camp

The 23 models selected across the country will undergo training and grooming at a local hotel until the day of the finals.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority spokesperson Sugar Chagonda said though they had called for auditions from all the provinces, the models were mostly from Harare and Bulawayo.

“We would have wanted models from other cities likes Mutare, Gweru and Masvingo but we only got responses from Harare and Bulawayo.

“There will be workshops for models on grooming and teaching them about current affairs, and they will also visit Great Zimbabwe for them to appreciate the beauty of the country,” he said.

The pageant, that is running under the theme “Celebrating the beauty of diversity”, will see young women aged between 18 and 24 years taking part. The minimum height required is 1,7 metres.

Chagonda said the queen will lead the proceedings of the Zimbabwe International Carnival with the aim of empowering young women.

“The ZTA is aiming at creating a platform in modelling where modelling enthusiasts come up with pageants that will cater for other models.

“This will also improve the standards of the modelling industry in general as well as its growth,” he
said.

Chagonda said an organising committee had been set up to consider the rules and key attributes that will be used to judge the winners in line with internationally recognised standards.

He, however, said ZTA was considering educational qualifications.
“The winner of the prestigious pageant will represent Zimbabwe on the international arena, that is the
reason we decided not to deviate from international standards.

“We are inviting Zimbabweans who live in the country to take part since the queen is supposed to serve in her respective community.

“Suppose a Zimbabwean in the Diaspora wins they are likely to take the crown and leave,” he said.
Chagonda promised lucrative prizes for the winners stating that the traditional sponsors, among them businessmen Dr Philip Chiyangwa and Chief Okeke had indicated their willingness to contribute vehicles to the winners.