Chronicle Editor
Melissa Mpofu/Mbulelo Mpofu
The girl who will be crowned Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe is set to receive a vehicle and have the rest of her school fees up to university paid by the organisers of the pageant.
This was announced on Saturday evening by the pageant’s patron, Aphia Nyasha Musavengana, during the pageant’s launch in Bulawayo at the swanky Deluxe Villa and Conference.
Addressing guests at the cocktail party, Musavengana said: “This is a momentous occasion for Zimbabwe. We want to empower the girl child, so everyone who competes will walk away empowered. The girl crowned queen will receive a car, and we’ll cover her school fees until she completes university. Education is a must.”
“The finalists will also travel extensively, mingling with celebrities for brand building,” Musavengana added.
Nokuthaba Manungo, the pageant’s chairperson, said the winner will go on to represent Zimbabwe at the international competition in India in September.
The launch of the pageant, held under the theme “Empowering the Girl Child Through Promoting Culture and Heritage Towards Vision 2030,” was abuzz with excitement as participants took the stage to advocate for a range of important causes. The finalists used the platform to speak passionately about issues close to their hearts, from championing the rights of the girl child to tackling period poverty and mental health, showcasing the breadth of their activism.
To tease the audience ahead of the finale, the finalists strutted down the ramp and were then sashed by South African actress Rami Chuene. However, some of the models missed the launch as they were writing exams.
One thing is for sure, the modelling fraternity in Zimbabwe is here to stay and is in safe hands if the teen models are anything to go by. As they interacted with guests, they exuded so much confidence that one might have thought they were speaking to adults.
Throughout the launch, there was visible excitement among the audience, who clearly had missed attending an event of such magnitude.
The launch was graced by the presence of several high-profile celebrities, including Chuene and Mutale Melissa Mwanza who is popularly-known as the “Queen of Zambian Entertainment”.
Chuene, an actress who has featured in popular South African soapies including Isono, Scandal, The Queen, and Inkaba, expressed her excitement at being in Zimbabwe.
“I’m super excited to be invited here and to mingle with these young ladies who have a bright future. Listening to each one of them outline what they are advocating for was a breath of fresh air. These girls are dreamers, and they are focused and optimistic about life. I wish them all the best and hope that this is a new beginning and a tremendous transformation in their lives,” Chuene said.
Mwanza encouraged the contestants not to rest on their laurels but to keep pushing forward in the modelling sector.
The launch was well-organised, with a star-studded guest list leaving attendees wondering how spectacular the finale will be next month. Everything was orderly, showcasing the dedication of the organisers. Popular television personality and fashion diva Nyasha Mtamangira steered the proceedings with aplomb, while Harare-based media personality Tariro Gezi and renowned choreographer Kuda the Choreographer stole the show as they led the guests in dance. The duo, who host “Rhumba Nights” in Harare, led guests in a rhumba session before switching to Amapiano, with Kuda teaching them a few moves. They brought the house down with their infectious vibe and dance moves.
Thereafter, the Gehena hit-maker, Kae Chaps capped off the night, belting hits like, Juzi, Madiro, and Gore that had many singing along.
Undeniably, the cocktail launch was a resounding success, setting the stage for what promises to be an empowering and transformative Miss Teen of the Universe pageant.
A member of the audience praised the event organisers for bringing such a significant pageant to Bulawayo.
“It’s been a while since the city hosted a pageant of this magnitude. This reminded me of the days when Bulawayo hosted Miss Bulawayo and Miss Tourism. Those were exciting events, and we need more of these,” said Michelle Dube.
The Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe pageant is set to unfold over four days, beginning with the boot camp on July 31, followed by the preliminary rounds on August 2, and culminating in the grand finale at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo on August 3.
Musavengana called on the city and the nation to support the young girls on their journey.
“We’re looking forward to the pageant and request the people of Bulawayo and Zimbabwe as a whole to come out and support the girl child. As we promote the culture, heritage, and education of young women, we want to ensure this is one of the best pageants in Zimbabwe.”
The models also asked for public support as they begin their modelling careers, with hopes of representing Zimbabwe at the Miss Teen of the Universe finals in India.
Online Reporter