THE first-ever Miss Teen of The Universe Zimbabwe has been crowned.
Nineteen-year-old Victoria Ncube lived up to her name when she claimed the title at a glittering ceremony on Saturday night at the ZITF Hall 2 in Famona, Bulawayo.
Thirteen other models battled it out with Ncube for the crown and sash, with the models hailing from various provinces across the country.
The much-anticipated pageant kicked-off with a mini red carpet photoshoot for the guests on arrival at the foyer.
The entertainment line-up featured award-winning performers like Mzistozz Mfanafuthi alongside fast-rising rapper Cuniva, who was backed by the globe-trotting No Name Dance Crew, coming short of stealing the show.
On the judges panel were events guru Thando Phiri, renowned coach Nokuthaba “She-devil” Manungu, who got the nickname for her strict approach to grooming models.
She jokingly explained the history on stage while introducing the board of directors.
“The name unfortunately has stuck with me, but bayangazi ngesikhathi lama pata pata (they knew I did not tolerate a model with sandals and did not keep time),” Manungu said.
One of the directors, Khaya Pardon, paid tribute to the models and production team, before breaking down in tears.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style on the sidelines of the event, Ncube said faith earned her the crown.
“I expected to win because I have so much faith in God and I put in the work and had support at home. Of course, the girls were very competitive and equally powerful and sometimes I would wonder, but still had so much faith,” she said.
“I promise the nation that I will go and do my best in India to bring the international tittle home. Mark my words.”
Beautify Siziba from Masvingo expressed excitement on being first runner-up.
“I am super happy to have represented Masvingo so well. I know that they were looking up to me as an inspiration for other young girls,” Siziba noted.
Bulawayo’s Zoleka Gatsha was the second runner up.
“The support system has been great, you know, and the energy from all over including South Africa is overwhelming,” Gatsha said.
Cleopatra Goto, who was sashed Miss Personality, said she wanted to start her own modelling school, which would focus mainly on self-esteem and raising awareness against body shaming.
The top three models said the bootcamp was nerve-wracking and broke them apart, only to build them up into stronger people physically and mentally.
Although she did not physically attend due to other engagements, Sport, Arts and Recreation deputy minister Emily Jesaya acknowledged the pageant.
In a telephone interview on Sunday, she said: “Anything to do with the purview of our ministry we support. I am happy and proud of such initiatives which particularly seek to make a positive impact in the industry and society as a whole.
“I strongly encourage all these organisations to be registered so as to protect their great initiatives and get more official recognition.”
Jesaya added: “As a ministry, we work with a number of branches and parastatals like the National Arts Council, so I encourage our creatives to reach out and secure their productions. A hearty congratulations to Victoria, we anticipate meeting her soon.”
