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Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
Zimbabwe and Zambia may not take part in this year’s Miss World contest as the deadline for the finals is nearing yet they have not yet picked their representatives.
With a July 29 deadline set for countries to submit their contestant’s names, the two countries are still at sea as to when their pageants – from which their representatives will be selected from – will be held.
According to sources, the Miss Zimbabwe Trust is in a dilemma as they cannot re-enter last year’s queen Annie Grace Mutambu, because of a clause in the Miss World contract that states that a contestant can only enter once.
Zimbabwe was initially meant to select its representative in April this year after a whirlwind national search for the country’s most beautiful woman. Close to 30 contestants were shortlisted for the finale which still hangs in the balance after a call was made for more entries.
Efforts to get in touch with Miss Zimbabwe Trust patron Marry Chiwenga and spokesperson Tendai Chirau were fruitless as their mobile phones went unanswered.
However, most Sadc countries including South Africa, Seychelles, Namibia and Lesotho have sent in names for their representatives ahead of the world contest taking place on December 20 in Washington DC – America’s capital.
South Africa which crowned its queen in March is already planning for next year’s pageant. Ntandoyenkosi Kunene will represent that country at the global showcase.
Over the weekend, Namibia crowned 20-year-old Lizelle Esterhuizen. Lebakile Mokhohlane is expected to represent Lesotho. Christine Barbier will be doing it for Seychelles, Samantha Todivelou for Madagascar.
Botswana is set to crown its queen at the end of the month and immediately forward her name to the Miss World organisers.
Malawi will not be taking part as they have shelved their national pageant this year. It remains unclear whether Zambia will take part as they are, like Zimbabwe, yet to set up a beauty pageant.
Meanwhile, Mr World preparations are at an advanced stage with all the action unfolding next week. This weekend, 50 contestants will be flying to England for the grand final on July 19.
Over seven days, the contestants will take on the 10 Tonne Challenge, Extreme Challenge with Regiment Fitness, show of their cheffing skills in the Omelette Challenge and prove their putting prowess in the Truvis Golf Challenge.
Zimbabwe does not have a contestant.
Online Reporter