Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ZIMBABWE’S representative at the upcoming Top Model of the World contest, scheduled for Egypt later this month, is aiming for a top-five finish.
The contest runs from May 24 to June 9 in Sahl Hasheesh, Egypt, at the ARC of The V Luxury Resort.
Zandile Sibanda is among 40 international models vying for honours.
“I am excited to be taking part in Top Model of the World in Egypt after being selected recently to represent my country at Miss Tourism World, where I finished as a second runner-up,” she said.
“The event organisers made a recommendation that I participate in the Top Model of the World since I have what it takes
“My wish is to get, at least, a top-five finish because I know it won’t be an easy contest after all.
“If I win the big one – which is the top prize – it will be a bonus for myself and the country.”
Sibanda, who has had limited time to prepare for the contest, said she was not going to add up the numbers.
“I can assure all my supporters that I won’t be going to Egypt on vacation.
“I am supposed to depart on the 22nd of May ahead of the Boot Camp and, as your representative, I need your support.
“I will be glad if someone can help foot my air fare, which is in the region of US$1,500, as well as my costumes that I will wear on stage.
“Accommodation and everything has been catered for and I am looking forward to a great contest ahead,” she said.
She also hailed her role models.
“I am proud to be a black beauty like my role model, Sakhile (Dube), who happens to be a mix of intellect, beauty and business-mindedness.
“I will also seek to emulate Lyshanda Moyas (reigning Miss Universe Zimbabwe queen) who is also firm, confident, and not someone to push over, as well as Courtney Jongwe, who balances between building morals and uprightness as I embark on my journey.”
She added:
“I was born into a family of four in Kwekwe, where we once stayed in Mbizo before we moved to Harare in 2007.
“I would alternate between Harare and Bulawayo, which made me very familiar with both the Ndebele and Shona cultures.
“Academically, I attended Dzivaresekwa Barracks Primary School, before I did my high school up to Upper Six at Midlands Christian College, where I specialised in the arts, and passed Divinity, Literature in English and History.”
However, her dreams to enroll at university were shattered due to a lack of financial support.
“I couldn’t proceed to university because there was no money and I ended up doing side hustles. I also trained as a Dental Coordinator.
“I have also done a number of television commercials and then I tried my hand at modelling, which has helped.
“When it comes to studies, I will still study, but I will be biased toward business since I am now an entrepreneur,” she added.
Mathew Masinge