Winning Miss Byo was eye opener: Dhlakama

Saturday Leisure Correspondent
DESPITE going through a horrible experience as the country’s queen, outgoing Miss Bulawayo has not only enjoyed the long stay, but leaves office a happy woman claiming that winning the title was an eye opener for her. Miss Bulawayo 2012 says among the achievements she made as the City of Kings and Queens’ most beautiful woman, was restoring the pride of the town as the haven of beauties in the country.

The 24-year-old Bongani Dhlakama told Saturday Leisure that as she hands over the title tonight she will relive the night she was crowned Miss Bulawayo as one of the happiest days in her life.

“ Well I was very happy when I was crowned Miss Bulawayo , it was like a dream come true and winning the Miss Zimbabwe title was a bonus for me.
“It was one of the major highlights of my reign and I take pride in that I brought back the pride and joy that Bulawayo had lost the Miss Zim crown title the previous year,” said Dhlakama.

She said throughout her reign as Miss Bulawayo she had learnt a lot through interacting with people from all walks of life.

“I have grown to be more, patient, humble, responsible. The people of Bulawayo bestowed so much respect on me and this made me believe in myself. In the process, I learnt endurance and I was refined as a person,” said the model who is a personal assistant in the city.

It is her reserved nature that left many wondering if this would have affected her performance at the Miss World finals.

Models are known for charity work and projects.

“During my reign, I donated groceries to Mpilo Hospital Children’s Ward and I also donated some to Mashambanzou Care facility in Harare.

“I am so passionate about children and I thank the corporate sector which supported my projects,” said Dhlakama.

She however added that she was still going on with charity work as she had unfinished projects.

“I was approached by authorities at Tjehanga Primary School in Plumtree who told me of the challenges the school is facing due to shortage of stationery and furniture.

“I am still waiting for response from corporates that I sent proposals and if I get anything I will surely go on even if I won’t be Miss Bulawayo,” she said.

Dhlakama is working closely with the Fingers Modelling Agency to groom the finalists.

“It is my wish that I hand over the title to someone who will go on to make us proud again,” said Dhlakama.

She said the prizes won would always bring back memories of the Miss Bulawayo pageant.

“After winning the Miss Bulawayo pageant I won sofas  among other prizes.

“And after the Miss Zimbabwe pageant I bought a car which I always look at everyday and smile,” she said.

Dhlakama will always be remembered for her experiences at the Miss World finals held in China at which she was forced to fork out funds from her pocket as the Miss Zim Trust failed to give her adequate resources for the trip.