Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
THE first Miss Heritage Global national contest, set for June 27 in Harare, represents a major change in the pageant on the domestic scene.
It also marks a major milestone for the cultural beauty and tourism platform, as it officially launches its local chapter.
The pageant, which celebrates Zimbabwean culture, diversity and tourism while empowering young women, will feature 15 models drawn from all of the country’s provinces.
They will be competing for the opportunity to represent Zimbabwe at the 10th edition of Miss Heritage Global in Vietnam in August. Miss Heritage Global was established in 2012 as an international cultural and heritage pageant platform focused on promoting culture, tourism, diversity and women’s empowerment through heritage advocacy.
Although the programme enjoyed success on the international stage for several years, activities slowed during the Covid-19 pandemic, affecting pageants and global cultural events worldwide.
The platform has now officially returned on the international stage, with Zimbabwe preparing to fully participate through a formal national selection process for the first time.
In previous years, Zimbabwe sent contestants to represent the country internationally without hosting a national competition.
National director Maynard Chizavare said the launch of the Zimbabwe chapter signals a new era for cultural preservation and youth empowerment.
“Miss Heritage Global Zimbabwe is more than a beauty pageant. It is a cultural and tourism platform designed to celebrate our heritage, preserve our traditions and empower young women to become ambassadors of culture, leadership and positive social impact.” He said contestants will take part in cultural showcases, charity and community projects, tourism promotion campaigns, media engagements and leadership development programmes as part of their journey.
“This platform gives young women an opportunity to proudly represent Zimbabwe while promoting our tourism destinations, fashion, arts and cultural identity to the world.
“It is part of a broader vision to position culture and heritage as tools for national pride, unity and economic development,” he said.
Chizavare said being given the Zimbabwe national directorship was an honour and an opportunity to rebuild the local chapter while connecting Zimbabwean heritage to the global stage. The June event is expected to attract key stakeholders in culture, tourism, fashion and community development as the country prepares to crown its next cultural ambassador.
Mathew Masinge