adminBongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
THE Miss Environment Zimbabwe 2014 contest will see 90 percent of the total marks coming from environmental projects undertaken by the contestant while the ramp, grooming and etiquette will just have 10 percent. According to the show organisers they were using a beauty contest to raise awareness on environmental issues. The pageant running under the theme “Environment conservation through ICT” will be held on October 31 in Bulawayo.
Speaking during the official re-launch of the Miss Environment Zimbabwe held at the Garden Restaurant on Saturday evening, pageant founder Briaton Takundwa said the beauty contest wanted to have models that at the end of the day are empowered to change their communities.
He said their vision was to involve the community in the pageant so that society embraces environmental issues.
“All environmental challenges communities face can be resolved by the people within those communities hence we want to raise the awareness through this beauty pageant,” said Takundwa.
He said the 20 girls were involved in environment projects and had been to different schools and children’s homes in the city to plant trees and conduct workshops. “The workshops were conducted at SOS Children’s home where we raised environment awareness. I was surprised that the children know what is going green and recycling. The teachers at these schools are doing a very good job,” said Takundwa.
He said it was high time companies took a leading role in conserving the environment through community interventions as part of their corporate social responsibility.
The event was attended by representatives from Edgars, Alliance France, Autoquip, OK Mart among other corporates.
The guest of honour was Zimbabwe Cheetahs’ coach Gilbert Nyamutsamba who urged corporates to take up initiatives to conserve the environment.
“I appeal to the business community to support projects by Green 4 Lyfe who deal with the environment. I will be coming to your offices to seek assistance in using the platform of modelling to further the environmental conservation and awareness agenda,” he said.
The re-launch was attended by former Miss Zimbabwe Tourism first princess 2005 Nomakhosazana Ncube, former Miss Summer Strides 2001 queen Portia Ncube and Miss Environment Bulawayo 2012 first princess Merrybirth Ushe.
During the re-launch, seven models took to the ramp to show guests a glimpse of what is to come during the finals in October.
Cosmetic brand Black Opal will provide the make up for the girls.
In 2012, Tshwane University student Nkanyeziyethu Malunga won the inaugural competition.
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