Outgoing Miss World Zim Anne Mutambu
Melissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
OUTGOING Miss World Zimbabwe – Anne Grace Mutambu – will have to hold on to her crown a bit longer as this year’s crowning ceremony has been postponed.
Following an outcry from some high school and university students who said they could not make it to the auditions last month, organisers have decided to give aspiring models another chance.
The auditions, which were meant to have been concluded last month, will now be wrapped up at the end of this month meaning shortlisted contestants will only check in for boot camp early next month. According to the previous schedule, the girls would have been checking in for boot camp in Harare today.
The audition extension may also be a result of the Trust’s decision to cancel auditions in other provinces other than Harare and Bulawayo, which left hopefuls in other parts of the country stranded as they were expected to travel long distances. Such people do not need to travel far to audition now as they can simply enter online.
Miss Zimbabwe Trust spokesperson, Tendai Chirau, yesterday said those who felt they had what it took to be the country’s next Miss World Zimbabwe needed to like the Miss World Zimbabwe Facebook fan page or open their website, download and complete the entry form available there. Alternatively, those near the Trust’s offices in Harare may go there for auditions during week days.
“When we plan this event, we’re not casting stones. So when people appeal, we listen,” said Chirau.
He said they were yet to deliberate on new dates.
“Automatically, dates for our activities including boot camp and the final have been moved. Once we agree on the new dates, we’ll announce them.”
Over 30 models had been shortlisted from the initial scouting with nine additional ones selected online. Nine made it from Bulawayo which had a low turnout of less than 30 people this year. Asked if attendance for the finals would be open to the public this year, Chirau said they were yet to deliberate though he said the pageant would remain a dinner event, thereby lessening the chances of it being open to uninvited guests.
The Miss Zimbabwe Trust further tightened its screws this year as those contesting will be expected to take oaths declaring that they do not have skeletons in their closets.