CommuTalk Reporter
MVUMA: In the small mining town of Mvuma, Chirumhanzu District in Zimbabwe’s Midlands province, excitement buzzed in the air as locals were to witness Miss Chirumhanzu Beauty Pageant.
As such events are known to be hosted in well-established cities, the event also meant to showcase not just beauty, but talent, confidence, and the rich traditions of their beloved countryside.
“The idea is to modernise our marginalised communities. It is also like they cannot but no opportunity comes knocking at their door,” said event organiser Eldah Chitate.
Running under the theme ‘Advocates of our future’, the pageant winner was Yemurai Ngoma who vowed to advocate for people living with disability under her reign.
Audrey Nyikadzino was the first runner up while recognised for defying odds, the youngest contestant Kesely Chirungwa (15) was crowned second runner up.
Other awards included People’s Choice, Miss Congeniality, Top Model and Best Talent.
With support from the local council, small businesses, and volunteers, the pageant quickly became a community affair.
“The event attracted 18 contestants while partners as Mastering Your Life Seasons (MYLS), Gweru Polytechnic, Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Chirumhanzu RDC, Mvuma VTC, Avroy Shlain among others were very supportive.
“The event also gave local youths a chance to showcase talent with many of them drawn from Leopold Takawira High School giving splendid performances,” Chitate added.
Chitate also hopes the initiative will continue getting support so that participants get a chance to participate on bigger stages.
Locals also expressed excitement that the event’s impact ‘…echoes far beyond the final applause and furthers local tourism’.
