Gweru’s modelling diamond unearthed
IT is her charming smile, astonishing beauty, alluring eyes and of course, the charismatic personality that can not go unnoticed on the first encounter with this rare and intelligent model from Gweru.
Growing up, 17-year-old Takudzwa Phiri never imagined that one day she would be a model waltzing on the ramp. The treatment she got from her agemates made her doubt herself.
She encountered a lot of discrimination while growing up because she has a hearing and speech impediment.
But as this beauty from Ascot suburb in the Midlands capital grew older, she managed to overcome the social stereotype surrounding her impediment and started working towards making her dream come true. The dream was and is, modelling. This is evident today, as Phiri was recently crowned the first princess at the recently held Miss Gweru contest after shrugging off competition from nine other contestants.
She held her head high, and waltzed on the ramp effortlessly.
The clicking sound of her stilettos synched with the classical tune that played, one could swear she could hear the music that blared from the speakers.
She became an instant hit. They could not help but marvel at her courage and the confidence that she displayed, and as expected she received a standing ovation from the fully packed gallery.
Her philosophy is simple, self confidence and ambition. She is determined to prove to the world that a person can become whatever they want to be if they believe in themselves.
Interpreting for her, Phiri’s mother Cynthia Gaba challenged especially the girl child living with any form of challenge or impediment to go all out to see their dreams come true.
“I want to encourage every person out there who is living with a disability that anything is possible if you have a passion.
Disability should not deter you, instead it should encourage an individual to aim higher and prove to the world that disability in never inability,” she said.
“With this achievement, I want to be an inspiration to the girl child especially the ones living with disabilities. I want to help them realise their dreams fully despite the fact that they are living with disability.
I know the challenges that they face day to day because l have been there. I have been laughed at, been ridiculed and called names because I can’t speak.
It’s never easy but l managed to survive the bullying although it did damage my self esteem. I want to fight for equality for the disabled,” she said.
Because of the stigma she encountered at Ascot High School, this resulted in her dropping out of school at Form 2.
The staff at the school wasn’t trained on how to teach disabled children and she felt left out.
After winning a one year scholarship courtesy of property developer River Valley Properties (RVP), Phiri says she plans to go back to school and complete her O-level.
Asked to describe herself, Phiri said that she is a strong-willed and ambitious young woman.
“I am ambitious and I have a heart of gold. I am strong-willed as well because I never give up without a fight.
“No matter what life throws at me, I never give up instead I turn every situation into an advantage”.