Zimpapers Logo

Mercy Mushaninga

Yeukai Karengezeka Arts Correspondent
Miss Curvy contestants will today embark on a clean-up campaign in the city centre dubbed “Don’t mess Harare” as part of their preparations for the grand finale.
The pageant that celebrates and recognises curvy African women is slated for August 9 at Caribbea Bay Hotel in Kariba and will run under the theme “Supporting Domestic Tourism through Beauty Pageants”. Event organiser Mercy “Catwalk” Mushaninga said they realised it was important for the models to be exemplary in educating our society about the importance of keeping our environment clean.

“We believe in beauty with brains and these models live in a society where they should lead by example. This campaign is meant to educate our people that we should keep our city clean at all times especially the ‘boys’ at the Ximex Mall area where we will clean as well,” she said.

Mushaninga also said they are still looking for financial support from the corporate sector to meet their targeted budget.
“We are still looking for financial partners for the event to be successful since we have a budget of US$50 000.

“We had a fundraising dinner over the weekend which was not successful so those that can assist do get in touch with us,” she said.
Mushaninga said preparations are at an advanced stage and 20 models will take part on the grand finale.

Urban grooves musician Roki, Judgement Yard, BaShupi among others are billed to perform at bush braai pre-party a day before the grand finale.
Mushaninga launched the pageant after she realised that most curvy women shied away from modelling because of the perception that the profession was for tall and slender women.

According to her, any woman who has natural curves, physical beauty with “brains” and keeps a flat tummy is eligible to enter the pageant as they do not need to have a serious modelling background.