Ngoni Dapira

AFTER being crowned Miss Africa University (AU) in April this year, 20-year old Nicole Musiyarira scored a double feat after she shrugged off stiff competition last Saturday and won the Miss Tourism Manicaland title.

The elegant event held in the tranquil resort area of Nyanga at Montclair Hotel and Casino saw the 13 finalists give it their all for the coveted crown. However, in the end it was Musiyarira that walked away with the cash prize of $1000 whilst Rutendo Mafuratidze (20) was crowned first princess and received $700 with the second princess 23-year old Gamuchirai Mutero getting $500 for her efforts. Tinashe Madondo (23) was chosen as the People’s Choice.

Harare businessman and socialite Innocent “Mhofela” Shito, that is a known arts supporter congratulating the newly crowned Miss Tourism Manicaland Queen. He was the main sponsor of the winners prizes.

The winners’ prizes were courtesy of Spinalong Music and Harare businessman and socialite Innocent “Mhofela” Shito that is a known arts supporter who graced the event and sponsored most of the entertainment on the evening which was headlined by the Afro-jazz sensation Diana Samkange and rapper BaShupi real name, Peace Ndlovu, who both rose to the occasion. BaShupi was however brought courtesy of Infinity Holdings. The MC for the evening, Diamond FM radio station presenter, Leonard ‘Lampy Zkit’ Tsikira, also did a sterling job to keep the guests enthralled. Other entertainment came from rising Mutare based duo Real Eeez, Boi Mac, SwayTh3rd and J Nova.

Musiyarira, a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Social Work student now going into her third-year said she could not believe that she had won. The Mutare born and bred beauty queen said the opportunity she had got was every model’s dream. She said it will be her aspiration to positively market the eastern bloc tourism which she said has been overshadowed for too long.

Diamond FM radio station presenter, Leonard ‘Lampy Zkit’ Tsikira who was the MC doing what he does best.

“It’s a life changing opportunity. I have been given the opportunity to be an ambassador for Manicaland and add value to the tourism industry. I feel that there is not enough marketing of other iconic tourists’ destinations in the country, besides Victoria Falls, so as such I would like to change the marketing strategy that is being currently used, especially for tourism in the eastern region, which is my home,” she said in an interview with EasternTimesZim Entertainment after winning the coveted crown.

The opening act by the models where they exuded some dancing skills.

Although she came into the competition with an advantage as the reigning Miss AU, as well as her striking height, Musiyarira however admitted that the competition was very stiff and said she had to bring her A’ game throughout the boot camp and on the night of the provincial pageant. Asked whom her biggest inspiration was she said it was her mother and the mother indeed attested that as she came to support her daughter on the night. “My mother is my biggest role model. She is a true epitome of a strong, independent and God fearing woman. She also came to Nyanga to support me with my twin sister as well, so that meant a lot to me,” said Musiyarira.

The culture segment which was the best from the response of crowd.

Miss Tourism Manicaland license holder and former model, Caroline Marufu-Buwu said she was confident that Musiyarira could do Manicaland proud at the national stage. This will be her second edition since taking over last year, setting off her campaign on a high note after Manicaland won the crown at the national pageant. Manicaland is currently the reigning province with the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe crown that was won by the 22- year old lawyer Tafadzwa Jaricha that received the top prize of $10 000 and a Mercedes-Benz C Class. The province also carved its own history in the pageant last year, after two of its models won at the national pageant, which saw Life Matunzeni (Miss Tourism Manicaland first princess) being chosen as the second princess.

The former Miss Zimbabwe 2007 and Miss Tourism Africa 2007 beauty queen said the provincial pageant would not be returning to Nyanga next year as they want it to be spread across the province.  “I cannot thank enough Spinalong and Mhofela (Innocent Shito) that played a huge role to make this event a success. Not forgetting the host Montclair Hotel, Nyanga National Parks, Mutare Spar, NetOne, Ok Mart, ZTA (Zimbabwe Tourism Authority) and various media as well as individuals that helped promote this event. Without sponsors and partners such events are really hard to successfully run, so thank you all,” she said in an interview afterwards.

Part of the six judges enjoying their snack meal during the pageant.

The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba who was represented by the acting Manicaland Provincial Coordinator, Edgar Seenza, was the guest of honour. In her speech she said she was happy to see the beauty with brains concept continuing to be elevated, given that most of the finalists were either college or university students or graduates that had completed their studies.

There were also many senior provincial government officials and politicians that attended to support the event as well as well known socialites and businesspeople from Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Rusape and Nyanga, who attended and gave it the glitz and glam feel.

Part of the guests that were at the VVIP section with the representative of the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba.

Miss Tourism Zimbabwe (MTZ) license holder Sarah Mpofu-Sibanda in a telephone interview on Monday said plans were in progress to take this year’s national pageant to Beitbridge, to spread the pageant across the country. Bulawayo hosted the first edition last year which marked the return of the rebranded pageant under new license holders.

Part of the crowd that was in the VIP section.

“Bulawayo Metropolitan, Harare, Masvingo and Bindura are yet to host their pageants. As I promised last year that we want to treat the pageant with the national dignity it deserves, plans are underway to take it to Beitbridge this year, but we are yet to finalise the modalities with stakeholders. As such, the actual venue and date are yet to be announced. However, it is such an honour to work with provincial license holders who have managed to keep the provincial pageants on track amidst the hardships everyone is facing in the country. The few sponsors who have stood with us in the provinces have been amazing and they are greatly appreciated and we hope they can carry us through to the national and of cause international level. The MTZ followers and audiences are a great sense of reinforcement,” said Mpofu-Sibanda.