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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Arts Reporter
“When one person is missing the whole world seems empty,” once wrote Pat Schweibert, of the book Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss.
True to the statement, the modelling industry will never be the same again after the death of veteran beauty pageant organiser Kiki Divaris.
Divaris died over the weekend at the age of 91.
The icon will be buried today at the Pioneer Cemetery in Harare and will get a State-assisted funeral.
She was a pillar of strength to many models and worked well with some of the reputable personnel not only in modelling but across the arts sector.
In an interview with this reporter, many players in the modelling industry described the Divaris as a loving person, full of wisdom and very creative.
Trish Carmen, former supermodel, fashionista and radio personnel
“I saw a little bit of me in Madame Kiki through her creativity in fashion designing, being the woman who designed an amazing dress for the first Miss Zimbabwe. Her passion for people especially young ladies in the pageantry and modelling industry resonated with me intensely as she exuded desire to nurture and grow talent. She was the epitome of excellence as she shaped the industry by setting high standards. Not forgetting her impeccable dress sense I so admired, she was my style icon and I say Rest in Peace.”
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Marry Chiwenga, chairperson Miss Zimbabwe Trust
“Kiki taught me everything I know and no-one could fit into her shoes. I can place her among Princess Diana and Mother Theresa. She had motherly love not only to me but to everyone. She wanted to promote the girl child in Zimbabwe and Africa. She did not look at the colour of skin.”
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Leslie Gurajena, founder and director of Miss Teen Zimbabwe
“Kiki is a Godmother to the fashion and modelling industry. She took time with everyone in the industry to explain, the standards and expectations. She has impacted so much into the next generation and she leaves a big void, no-one can fill her shoes. But her footprints have left detailed directions for us to follow. RIP champion”.
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Mercy Mushaninga, pageant director for Miss Curvy and founder of ZimGossip models
“Kiki was an inspiration in our field. I am thankful that I knew such an amazing woman. Her love for the girl child was that of a mother. I am happy that she is receiving the burial she deservers as she is truly our heroine. The modelling industry will not be the same without you.”
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Vannessa Sibanda, former Miss Zimbabwe, runner-up Top Model and musician
“She will be sadly missed. She was an unbiased promoter of Zimbabwean beauty. The industry has lost an icon, legend, mentor, mother and pioneer. Her generosity of spirit and true loving nature will be missed. She was always ready to get up. Whenever I visited her she would welcome me with open arms, lots of food and smooches. I learnt a lot from her during my tenure.”
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