The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
THE story of South African beauty and actress, Zozibini Tunzi, who became the first black woman from South Africa to win the Miss Universe 2019 pageant on a beautiful night in the United States has inspired a local model.
Mutare-born Courtney Jongwe (21) is basking in the glory of being crowned the Miss Environment Zimbabwe First Princess in a contest recently held in Kariba.
Jongwe shrugged off stiff competition from 15 other contestants drawn from across the country to become the first runner-up.
This was the first contest of her life.
The contest was won by Pauline Marere, while Wendy Maturi was crowned Second Princess.
The event was meant to celebrate and promote environmental awareness as the models showcased their beauty, culture and environmental pursuits.
“It was a beautiful experience. I am happy that I managed to be part of the top three contestants.
It was not an easy contest as everyone deserved to win. It was a tough one, but I managed to sail through.
“I learnt a lot of things. Considering that this was my first time to contest in a pageant, I feel so proud and this has actually motivated me to take modeling seriously.
“I felt honoured to have that kind of exposure. It was an opportunity to grow and I believe this is the beginning of greater days ahead,” said Jongwe.
The beauty is studying towards attaining a Chemical and Processing Engineering Degree at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences.
She hopes to be part of other forthcoming provincial and national pageants as she seeks to become a professional model.
“I am so fond of the environment and I have been working on an environmental project as well as doing awareness campaigns in the city.
“I would like to thank my family as well as organisations and friends who inspired me to be part of the pageant. They have been supportive and this has given me a reason to believe more in myself.
“I will participate in future pageants as I aim to go regional and international. I feel I can make my province and country proud. I am inspired by South African model and actress, Zozibini Tunzi, who has made tremendous strides in the global modelling industry,” she said.
The finalists engaged in exercises and tasks that raised awareness about environmental issues in their respective communities.
The contestants also underwent a rigorous boot camp to ensure that they were mentally and physically prepared for the finals.
