The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Entertainment Correspondent —
GORGEOUS Africa University student, Anesu Hokoyo, will represent Mutare in this year’s Miss Tourism national beauty pageant to be held at Harare International Conference Centre on November 25 after she successfully excelled in the auditions.
Although Miss Tourism Zimbabwe spokesperson, Alson Darikayi, earlier said, three beauties would qualify for the national fiesta, only Hokoyo, out of 13 other beauties who took part in the provincial auditions, will represent the eastern border city.
She is set to enter into boot camp from November 11 and 16 and November 23 and 25, joining 17 other models from across the country.
First Lady, Dr Grace Mugabe will be the guest of honour at the finals.
“Hokoyo was the most outstanding in Mutare. She will join others in boot camp in a fortnight at a private mansion in Borrowdale in Harare. During the period, they will visit Victoria Falls for two or three days,” he said.
The adjudicators also did online auditions for two models, Elisheba Makwara and Sindiso Ndlovu from the United Kingdom and South Africa respectively.
Harare will be represented by seven models who are Shirley Ann Lindsay, Lauren Macintosh, Nohlahla Dube, Chiedza Chinake, Evermore Njanjamangeza, Kudakwashe Chabaiwa while Zvishavane produced two girls, Courtney Matende and Gamuchirai Mutero.
Rutendo Taruvinga, Marizane Murashiki and Hazel Nhamburo will represent Masvingo province.
Other finalists are Memory Chapinduka (Victoria Falls), Ashley Morgan and Merelin Ngwenya (Bulawayo).
Hokoyo, in an interview recently, said the nomination came as a surprise.
“I was not expecting it. There were quite a number of more eloquent and charismatic young ladies there. Although I was confident, because of competition, I never thought I would come out tops. I am still confused but I would like to thank God that I will be representing my province on a larger platform,” she said.
The overall winner will represent brand Zimbabwe across the world and will lead Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Walter Mzembi’s quest for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) secretary-general post.
The Miss Tourism Zimbabwe pageant is a rebrand of Miss Carnival and the overall winner will also lead the forthcoming Harare International Carnival to be held later this year.
