Sarah Mpofu with Miss Africa finalists
Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
Preparations for the Miss Africa Zimbabwe beauty contest are at an advanced stage with the finale scheduled for April 29 in Bulawayo.
The outdoor event will be held along 10th Avenue, between Fife and Jason Moyo Streets.
Miss Africa Zimbabwe licence holders, Fingers Modelling Academy said 16 models would take to the ramp with the lady who will be crowned Queen being automatically entered into the Miss Africa pageant. The continental showcase will be held next year.
Among the 16 contestants are modelling novices and some who have contested in various national pageants such as Miss Zimbabwe and Carnival Queen Zimbabwe including Maita Kainga (Harare) and Marizane Murashiki (Masvingo).
The other participants are Amanda Nyoni, Ashley Morgan (Victoria Falls), Sithabile Mahlaba, Danai Pawandiwa, Pamela Sibanda (Bulawayo), Carole Ngwarai (Gweru), Fungai Ncube (Beitbridge), Princess Mpofu, Vuyokazi Sibanda (Plumtree), Nomagugu Mkwebu, Bionica Dana (Gweru), Zandile Ncube (Esigodini), Christabel Tshuma (Kadoma) and Lerato Nare (Gwanda).
Mpofu said the models would get into a five-day boot camp at a secret location in Bulawayo on April 25 in preparation for the finale.
During camp, the ladies will be groomed and have seminars.
Those wishing to attend the finale will be expected to pay $10 and are encouraged to dress up for the event which has an Afro-Centric theme.
“Miss Africa Zimbabwe is an event to celebrate African women’s beauty the African way therefore we encourage people to dress up on the night.
“We decided to host the pageant this month as we wanted to take advantage of the Trade Fair crowd by having a modelling competition during one of the last days.
The streets will be cordoned off for people to sit and watch the event under the stars,” said Mpofu-Sibanda.
Entertainment will be provided by hip hop sensation Cal_Vin, Afro Soul artiste Thandy Dhlana, vivacious dancer and singer Sandra Ndebele, neo soul artiste Prayersoul, Afro Jazz musician Khuliyo, Drums of Peace and poet Sithandazile Dube. Comedian Babongile Sikhonjwa will be the M.C.
Mpofu said they were expecting some regional winners of Miss Africa, especially Botswana to grace the event.
Miss Africa is the brain child of Bruce Nkgakile and former Miss Botswana-cum model-scout Boingotlo Motlalekgosi. Its aim is to celebrate African beauty.