The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Entertainment Correspondent
HER dream is to spread the message across the globe that disability is not inability —and play a role, through art, to demystify myths and misconceptions associated with people living with albinism.
Numerous misconceptions abound to albinism, subsequently condemning them to societal discrimination.
And 23-year-old Cathy Dhliwayo, who hails from Buhera, is set to represent Manicaland province at this year’s Mr and Miss Albinism Zimbabwe beauty pageant to be held on May 29 in Harare. Though confident the pageant will be her first step to greater days ahead, Cathy is in a quandary and has extended begging bowl to individuals and stakeholders to come aboard help her fulfil her dream. “I wish to be a professional model. It’s my dream to achieve more and empower the girl child, especially those living with albinism that everything is achievable. I am really looking forward to the Miss Albinism Zimbabwe pageant. I am, however in dire need to resources for me to compete and outshine some equally ambitious models from across the country.
“I need clothes, make-up, hairdo (weaves and braids) as well as money for other resources such as transport and food, among other things. I also have to spend time on the internet learning modelling tips and see how other pageant winners succeed. It’s important for me since I have never participated in any pageant before,” she said.
The gorgeous and elegant model did her education at Chabata Primary and Secondary schools in Buhera. She lost all her parents and is currently staying with her uncle and aunty.
She is currently studying towards acquiring a leather technology certificate at Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre. “My friends have been offering me a lot of support. I feel motivated and resources permitting, I will do my best,” she added.
“Mr Crimson Mangwiro is my number one role model in the area of disability advocacy, gender equality and equity. He fought hard through his own purse and pace to bring the disable from Buhera on the map , a move l would also want to undertake after these competitions,” she said.
She added that the current holder of the crown Ayanda Sibanda (19), is her source of inspiration as well as the Minister of Youth, Sports and Recreation Kirsty Coventry.
The pageant organiser Brenda Mudzimu said 10 ladies and 10 boys will compete for the coveted prizes. “We will make sure that the participants walk away with something to take home. There are sponsors who always assist with their services and we are looking forward to them. I believe more sponsors will come on board as we go,” she said.
