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Brita Masalethulini

Tafadzwa Zimoyo Lifestyle Writer
The fashion industry is one of the best paying and most beautiful industries in the world, with lots of models vying for the title of the hottest model in the world or being Miss World.

This industry makes these beauties some of the richest people in the world and also allows them to gain global recognition. The hottest models in the world have won the hearts of their fans because of their great looks and tremendous personalities.

The models are famous for their impressive figure, which they flaunt with every outfit they wear.

Since 1980, there have been Zimbabwean queens of the catwalk or fashion models who came and conquered the world of beauty scene with not only their stunning looks but also their sharp brains.

These are the models who have written their own piece of history from 1980 to date.

But first one cannot talk of modelling in Zimbabwe and not to talk of Kiki Divaris, — “Miss Zimbabwe Forever”, as she has given hope and light to the pageant despite the many obstacles surrounding the sector.

Here are some of the beauties who have made a name for themselves since Independence:

1. Shirley Nyanyiwa (1980) was the first black to win the Miss Zimbabwe pageant after Independence. She is now a successful farmer after retiring into private life soon after her reign.

2. Angeline Musasiwa, who was crowned Miss Zimbabwe in 1994 is regarded as probably one of the best models ever to emerge out of Zimbabwe. He exploits on the ramp as well as her stunning looks saw her emerging fourth at the Miss World finals the same year. She is now living outside the country with her husband and kids.

3. Nomusa Ndiweni: 1996 saw the beautiful Nomusa Ndiweni landing the crown of Miss Zimbabwe and was regarded as a good ambassador during her term. She also stormed the international fashion scene where she set up base in London. She has since found religion and is now a sangoma.

4. Brita Masalethulini — Brita made history when she became the inaugural Miss Malaika.

6. Loraine Maphala — The vivacious model went down into the annals of Zimbabwean history when she was voted Miss Zimbabwe in 2005 after which she also proceeded to represent the country at the Miss World in Warsaw, Poland, the following year. She finished third in the Miss Talent showcase of the event.

7. Beautiful Oslie Muringai was adjudged Miss Zimbabwe in 2004 and has been ranked by connoisseurs as being among some of the most gorgeous women ever to emerge out of Independent Zimbabwe. She started off by winning the Miss Bulawayo crown before making it the national finals.

8. Caroline Marufu — Talk of beauty with brains, then model Caroline is one of them. Marufu won the Miss Zimbabwe crown in 2007, and went on to represent Zimbabwe at the world finals in China

9. Greatmore Chatya — This model who to date with her “barbie” look is another success story when it comes to fashion models. She was Zimbabwe’s “Nokia Face of Africa 2005” finalist and “Supermodel 2005” winner who made it into the SASI calendar.

10. Nyasha Matonhodze — In 2011, she was just 16 years old and Nyasha Matonhodze was named one of the faces of luxury label Louis Vuitton’s 2011 Autumn/Winter campaign. The news made headlines around the world, turning the shy teenager into a household name overnight. Sources said that she was discovered in a shopping centre. She is living abroad and continuing to do fashion runways. She was a finalist for the Elite model Look competition, landing her an interview with New York magazine.

11. Vanessa Sibanda — “Queen Vee” who embodies inner beauty in a becoming outer shell became Miss Zimbabwe in 2008 as well as Miss Tourism Zimbabwe in 2009. Sibanda, who is now a mother and based in South Africa has now added music to her career.

12. Malaika Mushandu — The dark chocolate skinned model Malaika Mushandu, who was crowned Miss Zimbabwe 2011, earns her a place in the top 10 after getting to position nine at the Miss World pageant.

She also flew the country’s flag high in March 2012 at the Top Model of the World pageant in Germany, where she was the first runner-up.

13. Marry Chiwenga — Now with a week away before Miss World Zimbabwe being crowned, all glory goes to former model Marry Chiwenga who has resuscitated the pageant after Zimbabwe Tourism Authority had given up on it. She re-branded the title and added glamour to the event.