The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
MUTARE model, Tanaka Dumbura, wrote her own piece of history when she was crowned Miss Culture Zimbabwe after outclassing 15 other models who participated in the pageant finals held in Harare last week on Saturday.
Dumbura, who braved stiff competition from a bevy of elegant beauties who were determined to clinch the coveted prize walked away with a cash prize of US$1 500 courtesy of the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation.
She also got hampers from various sponsors.
Dumbura will represent Zimbabwe at the Miss Culture International to be held in South Africa in September.
Scholasticah Makoni was crowned first princess, while Patience Gumbo was the second runner-up.
The pageant was held at Casino Marina, Longchen Plaza, in Belvedere under the theme ‘Celebrating culture, diversity and identity.’
Dumbura told Post Entertainment that she is over the moon after being crowned queen.
“I am at a loss of words. It was, however, scary. I was so nervous, especially when they called out the top 10 and five. Hard work and determination paid off for me despite the stiff competition,” she said.
In a statement on her social media platforms, Dumbura thanked her supporters: “I thank you all for the lovely support. You did your part during the voting process.
“I would also like to officially announce that we scooped the coveted title and Tanaka E Dumbura is the official Miss Culture Queen, Zimbabwe 2022. I hope you will all be proud and this is not my title, it is for you guys.
“May God bless you and may you continue supporting other young people to reach their goals. I will be proceeding to Miss Culture International this September and I am looking forward to continue working with you. My heart is filled with joy. I will continue making you proud,” she wrote.
One of the organisers of the pageant who is also the pageant’s licence holder, Pauline Marere said she is confident that Dumbura will raise the country’s flag high.
She believes Dumbura is a hard worker and has called upon stakeholders to assist with sponsorship.
“Tanaka did well and she really worked hard to come out tops. The event was successful and we got a lot of support from the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation. All the girls delivered a great show and were well prepared. Everything went on according to the script and came out just as we expected.
“Competition was very stiff since everyone was well groomed and prepared for the pageant,” she said.
The Miss Culture International pageant seeks to celebrate various cultures through showcasing beauty and fashion.
Dumbura was on Wednesday expected to leave for Malaysia where she is set to join other models for the Miss Petite International scheduled for tonight (Friday).
Miss Petite and Mister Petite Global are beauty pageants that celebrate men and women and empowers them to discover their potential through experiences that build self-confidence.
