admin
Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
ZIMBABWE’S representative at this year’s Miss Heritage International pageant taking place in Nepal, Zinhle Kim Dube, yesterday said she was confident of doing well at the global showcase taking place in August.
She will join 27 other models from around the world contesting in the pageant that endeavours to promote peace, environment tourism, culture and global heritage.
Born in Plumtree on January 18, 22 years ago, Dube said she attributes her success in modelling to her mother whom she described as her pillar of strength after the death of her father in 2009.
“My dad is late and my mum has always been my pillar of strength. She is supportive of my modelling career and keeps me going all the time,” she said.
Known to some as the Naomi Campbell of Zimbabwe, Dube said she started her modelling career when she was 12 years.
She said she had been a fashion model ever since she was in primary school, participating at school modelling shows. Miss Heritage Zimbabwe International was her first major pageant.
“I have always been a fashion model as I used to do fashion shows and photo shoots. I recently ventured into pageants with Miss Heritage being my first most important pageant.
“When I was in primary and high school I entered and won most of the modelling shows,” said the former Mtshabezi Mission and Gwanda Secondary School pupil.
Dube said it was an honour to represent the country at an international platform.
“I feel honoured and special to be the one chosen to represent the country and I promise to do my best,” she said.
The model, who is studying law in South Africa, said she believed winning modelling competitions was based on both beauty and brains.
Asked about how her preparations for the international pageant were going, Dube said all was going well as she had since secured some of the dresses she will use at the contest.
“I am looking for sponsorship for two more dresses, an evening gown and an international dress. For now, I have secured the host country dress and the heritage dress courtesy of Uzuri Creations,” she said.
Uzuri Creations is a Zimbabwean fashion house based in Harare that mainly specialises in designing and making stylish African print garments with a modern look.
Questioned on her fashion sense Dube said she believed that simplicity is key.
“My fashion sense is simple. I am not fascinated with expensive clothes and neither do I dwell on cheap clothes. I am a standard person who buys clothes from anywhere and everywhere as long as I think it is good to wear. On occasion though I do spoil myself and shop at Sandton in South Africa,” she said.
Tonight a farewell party is being held at Horizon Pub and Grill in Dube’s honour.
Organisers of the farewell party – 3D Events- said hosting a party for the model was part of their programme to honour those in Bulawayo who have put the city on the national and international map.
“Bulawayo is Zinhle’s home town and we decided to organise a party in her honour. We have invited other models and modelling agents to come and bid one of their own farewell as she embarks on a journey to represent Zimbabwe in Nepal” said Mduduzi Mdlongwa.
Tribal house group Djembe Monks, DJs Slimza alongside Ryan and MH1 are expected to provide entertainment at the red carpet event.
The girl who will be crowned Miss Heritage International will become a heritage ambassador in her country and globally, working on promoting, preserving and enhancing all the beauty that surrounds the world from people to nature as well as heritage sites.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo