New Miss Zim 2014 crowned

Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
The Miss Zimbabwe Trust yesterday crowned 19-year-old Catherine Makaya as the new Miss Zimbabwe 2014 to replace Ms Thabiso Phiri at an unusual “pageant” that featured three other contestants held in the city. Ms Phiri voluntarily resigned the title a month into her reign, amid speculation that her decision was influenced by the leaking of compromising pictures which she sent to her boyfriend which then went viral on social media.

Ms Phiri was present at the pageant and quietly sat beside Miss Zimbabwe Trust chairperson Mrs Mary Chiwenga.

Many people had expected that first runner-up Miss Letwin Chinomona would be asked to replace Miss Phiri, but although both Ms Chinomona and second runner-up Ms Tendai Hunda turned up at the pageant, they did not con- test.

Miss Chinomona said in an interview that they were both happy with the positions they attained in the original pageant.
“We are happy with what we have,” she said as Miss Hunda nodded in approval. “We celebrated our victory on July 14 and we are happy with our prizes. Today was about Melissa.”

Miss Makaya expressed excitement over her victory in the four-contestants pageant where they paraded in traditional wear, swimwear and cocktail dresses.

“I am very happy,” she said. “I did not expect to win. I just want to thank everyone for the support.”
It was an emotional time for Mrs Chiwenga, who continuously sobbed throughout the almost two-hour programme.
Mrs Chiwenga said she was heartbroken over Thabiso Phiri.

“I promised Thabiso’s brother the night she won that I would take care of her as a mother, sister and friend,” said Mrs Chiwenga in an interview.
“I put so much effort in preparing her for Miss World. I worked hard and invested so much into preparing her for the Miss World.
“She is an orphan and I wanted good things for her. I was heartbroken because she has a good heart.”

The judges were Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Supa Mandiwanzira, Dr Cristina Grabowski, Dr Vivek Solanki, Mr Adam Molai and Mr Tinashe Tanyanyiwa.

Ms Makaya will receive a Chevrolet Chevy Cruz, an iPad Mini, cosmetic hampers, fuel allowance and medical aid for her efforts.