Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu
MODELS who took part in the recently-held Miss Ebony Zimbabwe are not happy with the way they are being treated by pageant national director Bridget Mawarire.
The finals, which were held on March 28, were marred with controversy after the models were kicked out of their lodgings over unpaid bills.
According to a pageant’s post-mortem report, different parties are owed over US$3,800.
“Miss Ebony Zimbabwe faced several unforeseen challenges that significantly affected the execution of the event.
“Please note that most payments made so far were deposits and covered expenses before the bootcamp.”
According to report, the pageant is in arrears of bootcamp accommodation at Mudziyashe US$1350, Rockers Island Stage light, generator US$180, MC US$300 and other individuals over US$1500.
The total owed is US$3840.
However, the models say they are being pressured to sign some contracts which will bind them in the wake of some complaints.
It is also being claimed that Miss Ebony Zimbabwe 2025, Chengeto Kanyai, hasn’t been given her prize.
Samukele Dhlamini, the first runner-up, was disqualified following her participation in another pageant. Mawire has since promised to settle the debts. H-Metro is in possession of some letters and screenshots from the models group.
Mawarire defended herself.
“Miss Ebony Zimbabwe was created as a platform to empower young women through leadership, cultural heritage and personal growth.
“While the crowning and follow-up processes are still underway, all deliverables associated with the winners’ title are being approached in carefully managed phases.
“We are also in the process of organising a special send-off event for the reigning Queen as she prepares to represent Zimbabwe at the Miss Ebony Africa finals.
“This event will serve as both a celebratory moment and a rallying point for continued support from the public and partners.”
On contracts, she said:
“It is standard across all professional pageants to issue contracts to finalists and titleholders.
“These agreements are in place to clearly define roles, responsibilities, brand alignment, ensuring that each contestant understands her commitment and the expectations of the organisation.
“This process is done in good faith and with full transparency.
“The request for the 1st Runner-Up to relinquish her title was due to her active engagement with other pageant organisations during her reigning term.
“This created a conflict of interest and diluted brand representation.
“In the interest of preserving the prestige and consistency of the Miss Ebony Zimbabwe platform, a formal communication was made with full acknowledgment of her contributions and best wishes for her future endeavours.”
She said the crowning event had to be shifted to a virtual format due to protests which were scheduled around the same period.
“The safety and well-being of our contestants, guests, and service providers was paramount and this decision, though difficult, was made out of an abundance of caution.
“Miss Ebony Zimbabwe was a collaborative initiative driven by passion and vision rather than traditional corporate funding.
“Unfortunately, limited sponsorship, along with lower-than-expected guest turnout and partner participation, presented significant challenges.
“These factors inevitably affected the full rollout of post-pageant activities.
“Despite these hurdles, we remain committed to fulfilling our vision and are taking necessary steps to regroup, innovate, and continue uplifting young Zimbabwean women.”
She has pleaded with the models to be patient.
