Miss Zimbabwe
Miss Zimbabwe is a beauty pageant which was officiated in 1980 replacing the Miss Rhodesia pageant. It is currently chaired by Mrs Marry Chiwenga, who is the wife of Army General Constantine Chiwenga.
Background
The pageant came into being in 1980 when the country attained its independence. The first person to be crowned Miss Zimbabwe was Shirley Nyanyiwa who was voted as the Best-Dressed Model at the 1980 Miss World Pageant.[1] Prior to 2012, it was known as the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe Pageant, it was renamed to Miss Zimbabwe.
The Pageant in limbo
In 2011, it was reported that the pageant was politicised. At the 2011 edition of the pageant, members of the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) officiated at the event and it was also reported that contestants were asked about the history of ZANU PF.[2] Members of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority however dispelled this.
In 2013, the pageant was not held due to a financial crisis. The chairperson of the pageant stated that during the scouting period, all the contestants were not competent enough to represent the country at international pageants such as the Miss World Pageant.[3] It was reintroduced in 2014 of which there were 3 Miss Zimbabwes in 2014, firstly, Thabiso Phiri who resigned, then Cathrine Makaya and finally Tendai Hunda.
List of former title holders
- Chiedza Mhosva - 2017
- Ann-Grace Mutambu - 2015
- Emily Tatanga Kachote - 2015
- Tendai Hunda - 2014
- Cathrine Makaya - 2014
- Thabiso Phiri - 2014
- Bongani Dhlakama - 2012
- Malaika Mushandu - 2011
- Samantha Tshuma- 2010
- Vanessa Sibanda - 2009
- Cynthia Muvirimi - 2008
- Caroline Marufu - 2007
- Lorraine Maphala - 2006
- Oslie Muringai - 2005
- Phoebe Monjane - 2003
- Linda Van Beek - 2002
- Tsungai Muswerakuenda - 2001
- Corrinne Crewe - 2000
- Brita Masalethulini - 1999
- Selina Stuart - 1998
- Lorraine Magwenzi - 1997
- Langa Sibanda - 1996
- Dionne Best - 1995
- Angeline Musasiwa - 1994
- Yvette D'Almeida-Chakras - 1993
- Caroline Murinda - 1982
- Juliet Nyathi - 1981
- Shirley Nyanyiwa - 1980
References
- ↑ Margaret Mvura, Miss Zimbabwe to be wildlife ambassador, "The Patriot", Published:12 Jun 2014,Retrieved:9 February 2015"
- ↑ Nigel Pfunde, Miss Zimbabwe bounces back, "The Zimbabwe Mail", Published:29 Jun 2014,Retrieved:9 February 2015"
- ↑ Nigel Pfunde, Miss Zim preps gather momentum, "The Zimbabwe Mail", Published:6 Jun 2014,Retrieved:9 February 2015"
