The ManicaPost
Langalakhe Mabena
Bulawayo Bureau
IT’S that time of the year again, where beauty and brains come together to celebrate and promote environmental awareness.
Waterfront Resort in Kariba will be the stage where 18 stunning ladies will compete for the title of Miss Environment Zimbabwe tomorrow (May 13).
Judges will have the unenviable task of selecting just one winner from the bevy of beauties who will grace the stage.
Manicaland will be represented by Courtney Jongwe.
The crowned queen will, not only have the bragging rights of being the most beautiful woman of the night, but will also have the opportunity to drive away in a brand-new car and receive a cash prize of USD5 000.
However, the stakes are even higher for the winner as she will be the sole representative of Zimbabwe on the international stage later this year.
This is a rare opportunity to showcase her country’s beauty, culture, and environmental efforts.
The other finalists include Pauline Marere (Mashonaland West, Kariba), Wendy Maturi (Mashonaland East), Natasha Masunda (Marondera), Marvelous Ganje (Chiredzi), Grace Masvavike (Midlands), Sicebi Moyo, Harriet Majoni, Mellissa Sibanda, Sibongile Moyo (both Bulawayo), Itumeleng Nare (Gwanda), Scholastic Makoni (Gweru), Mitchel Simeon, Zvashe Maponga, Lindsay Nyabereka, Eldah Wadzanayi Chitate, Trish Pfende and Chantel Kanyoka (all from Harare).
The national director of Miss Environment Zimbabwe, Nigel Shamu expressed excitement about the upcoming event.
He revealed that they had already hosted the semi-finals in Bulawayo, which attracted 60 models from all over Zimbabwe.
The finalists were put through their paces, engaging in exercises and tasks that raised awareness about environmental issues in their communities.
The contestants also underwent a rigorous boot camp to ensure that they are mentally and physically prepared for the finals.
With everything set in motion, Shamu promised a well-choreographed display on the eve of the finals.
“Initially, the grand finale of the pageant was supposed to take place in Harare in March, but we decided to move the date to May 13 as we planned to host a tourism attraction event in Kariba.
“This is not just a pageant.
“Through the Miss Environment Zimbabwe finals, we are aiming at raising environment awareness to the locals and encourage them to preserve their land as well as animals as they have the capacity to transform Kariba into a tourism hospitality hub,” said Shamu.
After the crowning of the queen, the festivities will move to Lake Harvest, where an after party featuring Jah Master, Poptain, DJ Sir Rolex and Elbee will be held.
Poptain said: “It’s great to be performing in Kariba again after a long time. I promise good music and fireworks to those who will be in attendance.”
