Miss Tourism Manicaland crowned
22-YEAR-OLD Tafadzwa Jaricha had all what it takes to be crowned this year’s Miss Tourism Manicaland after she outclassed 13 contestants at a glittering pageant held last Saturday at a local hotel.
JARICHA, a youthful lawyer outshone impressive Life Mathunzeni and Silathemba Maphosa who were first and second princesses respectively. Jaricha received $300, accommodation vouchers at Montclaire Hotel and Village Inn among other goodies while Life received Black Opal products and an accommodation voucher at Montclaire Hotel among other things. Silathemba received $100 and Black Opal products as well.
Jaricha and Mathunzeni will represent Manicaland province at the national finals that will be held in Harare on September 8.
Speaking after the pageant, the models were overjoyed.
“I was really overwhelmed with joy. It was a dream come true. Imagine getting something which has been on your prayer and wish list for long. I was so happy. I remember laughing hard on stage when I got a warm hug from Manicaland licence holder (Caroline),” said Tafadzwa.
“I was overwhelmed with happiness. I felt honoured and very grateful to have made it that far and become one of the best as it was my first time competing in a pageant. It was a magical moment,” said Silathemba.
Life said she was shocked to be crowned among the best. “I was shocked but humbled. My opponents were all good. The competition was tough,” she said.
21-year old pop diva Tatenda Marufu, Trevor Dongo and formidable Mutare based group Real Eeez put up scintillating performances during and after the pageant. Real Eeez stole the show and left the audience clamouring for more after they showcased the late pop star Michael Jackson’s famous “Smooth Criminal anti-gravity-fall” live on stage.
The Miss Tourism Manicaland licence holder and former model Caroline Marufu-Buwu described the pageant as successful.
“It exceeded my expectations. This is not what we expected. We were not sure how the community would take such a pageant considering that it was the first of its kind. The support we received from individuals and corporate sector was amazing and shocking. We would like to thank everyone who made the pageant a success,” she said.
Minister of State for Manicaland provincial affairs Monica Mutsvangwa who was elegantly dressed, was the guest of honour. She applauded the local business community for supporting the pageant as part of the corporate community responsibility programmes.
“I am working hard to make Manicaland a province we should be proud of again. We need to market positive aspects about the province and explore business opportunities in the province that attract foreign direct investment. We are privileged to have a leader like President Emmerson Mnangagwa because he is a good listener and is determined to steer the country ahead hence the mantra: “Zimbabwe is open for business,” she said.