Over the moon

By Givemore Muzariri
NADIA Gori made Zimbabwe proud at the Miss Tourism World International finals that were held recently in Johor, Malaysia.
She was among the top five out of the 54 contestants that took part in the international beauty pageant.
Gori went into this competition using last year’s ticket as the second princess at Miss Zimbabwe. Other winners of the competition have also represented the country at other international competitions.
Saturday Leisure visited the residence of former Miss Bulawayo and had an opportunity to talk to Nadia’s mother Linah Mushore, who could not hide her joy over her daughter’s success.
“I never thought my daughter would go this far with her modelling career,” Mushore said.
The down to earth mother said Nadia showed a lot of interest in modelling when she was four years as she used to see one of her sisters rehearsing while at home.
“I felt challenged by Nadia as she showed that she had a passion for modelling.
“As a family we started supporting her by teaching her how to walk on the ramp,” she said.
Mushore said Nadia later had an opportunity to walk on the ramp with her sister Thandiwe who was contesting in the Miss Fingers contest.
“Nadia’s first feel of the ramp was when she led her sister on the ramp as the sister contested in the Miss Fingers contest. This was before a big crowd but she was not intimidated.
“Though Nadia was still young then but she showed a lot of confidence in herself and it became clear that she could be a model too,” she said.
Mushore said featuring of Nadia on this competition also impressed Sarah Mpofu-Sibanda who later urged us to continue encouraging her.
“On the day Sarah was impressed by Nadia’s confidence as she led her sister on the ramp,” she said.
Nadia later enrolled at Amakhosi Arts Centre and this further fine-tuned her confidence.
“When Nadia joined Amakhosi she majored in dance and modelling and I always encouraged her as I wanted her to realise her dreams,” she said.
Mushore said while Nadia was being trained at Amakhosi she formed a traditional dance group called Insalelayabensundu.
She said she again was very supportive of the project and went on to provide transport during the group’s tours.
“A child should be allowed to pursue a career of his or her choice,” she said.
Mushore said Nadia was part of Amakhosi up to the time when she went to secondary school.
“When Nadia was at secondary she decided to drop dancing and concentrated on modelling,” she said.
Mushore said she was forced to develop an interest in modelling as Nadia wanted her to be by her side.
“When Nadia decided to take modelling as a profession I had to adjust so I could be of help to her,” she said.
The whole family started attending the competitions that Nadia was contesting in.
“The modelling industry is expensive as in each and every competition that she takes part in she is expected to bring new clothes and shoes,” she said.
Mushore said she is Nadia’s tailor and she has made all the clothes that have seen her win many beauty pageants.
“I am proud of helping my daughter achieve her dream,” she said.
Mushore said she gets most of her designs from South African designers that include Khanye Mbawo.
She said as a family they were happy with Nadia’s achievements.
“As a family we have benefited from Nadia’s career and we hope she will continue making our family and the nation proud.
“From what Nadia has won the whole family has benefited also as she is now driving and she at times also provides cash to meet some of the family expenses,” she said.