The Miss World Zimbabwe beauty pageant is back after a six-year hiatus, which culminated in an ownership dispute between Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga’s ex-wife, Marry Mubaiwa, the former custodian, and various modeling stakeholders.
Mubaiwa was accused of holding the Miss World Zimbabwe pageant at ransom, by not only failing to host the event but refusing to let go of its patronage.
Belinda Potts won the last Miss World Zimbabwe edition held in 2018.
The pageant returns with Nokutenda Shekinah Marumbwa chosen to represent Zimbabwe at the prestigious Miss World 71st anniversary later this year.
Marumbwa was born in Bulawayo in 2003 and raised in the small town of Chegutu, Zimbabwe.
She is the sole daughter in a family of five.
Mubaiwa, who took over from Kiki Divaris as patron of Miss Zim Trust in 2012 had the licence that permitted her to curate and oversee the holding of the pageant.
Meanwhile, Miss Zimbabwe Trust has appointed Patience Lusengo to the Miss Zimbabwe Trust Committee.
In a statement, one of the trustees Crispen Sachikonye said Lusengo has 28 years of experience in the world of pageantry.
“Patience is also the chief executive officer of Harare Fashion Week and serves on the member board of trustees for the Fashion Council of Zimbabwe. She also holds the license for Miss Zimbabwe World, Miss Teen International and Miss International,” Sachikonye said.
“She has owned Noir Models since 1998, a modelling agency that is a major player in the local and international entertainment market, and interacts continually with modelling agencies/entertainment companies all over the world, for new faces, new artists & trends.”
Lusengo will be responsible for the management of the Miss Zimbabwe Pageant between 2024 and 2025.
Lusengo’s duties will also include hosting the pageant, sourcing sponsorship, and managing partnerships.
“We can attest to Patience's expertise and value in this industry and have no hesitation in recommending her to anyone wishing to work with her in a professional capacity. We believe that Patience would greatly add to the mission of Miss Zimbabwe” Sachikonye said.