The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
SEASONED model, Life Deliwe Matunzeni exuded all that it takes to be crowned the inaugural Miss Uhuru 2024, shrugging off stiff competition from 13 other contestants in the intriguing beauty pageant held in the city last Saturday.
Matunzeni (28), who is blessed with striking beauty, represented Manicaland.
She boasts of several accomplishments such as former Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2018 second princess.
For her efforts, she walked away with US$2 000, while the first princess, Panashe Magadu from Harare walked away with US$1 500.
The second princess, Tariro Ruddo walked away with US$700.
The event recorded a huge turnout, providing an electrifying and terrific atmosphere.
The raucous noise from the excited audience did not affect Matunzeni’s confidence as she impressed the adjudicators.
The 14 contestants were drawn from across the country.
The event was a double header as the Young Women 4 ED Manicaland Chapter also had a fundraising dinner where attendees and contestants were elegantly clad in the national dress code.
The event drew together youths, men and women in business as well as fashion enthusiasts among others, bringing the city to life.
This was also part of preparations for the country’s 44th Independence Day celebrations slated for Buhera District next Thursday.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, who officiated at the event, said there is need for every Zimbabwean to embrace the national fabric and proudly wear it anywhere with pride.
“Every Zimbabwean should embrace the national fabric and wear it anywhere in the walks of our lives, in offices, public events and social gatherings. We should wear it with pride as it defines who we are and gives us dignity as a society,” she said.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority said the event celebrates Zimbabwean independence, and is a way of promoting Zimbabwe’s culture and heritage through showcasing talent and creativity.
“It also unifies the young people of this nation and educates them about our history and how we attained our independence and where the country is headed. To back up the fiesta was the Young Women 4 ED Manicaland Chapter national fundraising dinner. The merger promoted the national fabrics as contestants were clad in diverse and elaborate designs,” reads the statement.
The contestants also got the opportunity to strut their stuff on the romp clad in the national dress in their own designs.
Veteran model and businesswoman, Carol Buwu-Marufu who won the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe title in 2007 and was one of the adjudicators, said she was intrigued by the high level of competition.
“The competition was stiff. The contestants were all geared up for the event. Most of them exuded confidence and they were eloquent. The designs on the contestants’ national dress were superbly done. The ladies were really creative and artistic. We would like to thank the First Lady, Amai Mnangagwa for the initiative and empowering the girl child. The idea is really a unifying force for all Zimbabweans.
“It was not easy for us to come up with the winners. Everyone did their best and the ladies managed to impress us and the audience.
“Matunzeni stood above the rest to clinch the coveted prize. Every time we have these pageants, we look at eloquence (during the question and answer segment, confidence and catwalk, among other things) and Matunzeni was outstanding. She captivated us the adjudicators and the audience,” she said.
Matunzeni told The Weekender Entertainment about her excitement at being crowned Miss Uhuru 2024.
“It was a very tight contest. I am super excited, and this is a lifetime achievement for me. I owe this success to God and I feel motivated to achieve more. The crown demands responsibility and I promise to honour it with dignity,” she said.
