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Miss Zimbabwe Thabiso Phiri (centre) flanked by the Second Princess Letwin Chinomona (left) and First Princess Tendai Hunda

Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Thabiso Phiri was crowned Miss Zimbabwe 2014 at colourful event held at Mabvazuva Village in Msasa on Saturday.
The 22-year-old beauty was announced the winner ahead of the 14 other contestants that were vying for the prestigious crown.
Tendai Hunda was crowned First Princess and Letwin Chinomona was named Second Princess, while Martha Mangwaira was voted Miss Legs and Maita Kainga got the People’s Choice recognition.

Running under the theme “Taking Zim-Asset to Greater Heights” the beauty show lived to its billing as it brought people together in an exciting night of entertainment and surprises.

Among delegates that attended the event were Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander, General Constantine Chiwenga; Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi and his wife Barbara; Information Communication Technology, and Postal and Courier Services Minister Webster Shamu and Senate President Edna Madzongwe.

Environment, Water and Climate Minister Saviour Kasukuwere was the guest of honour.
In his speech, Kasukuwere thanked Miss Zimbabwe Trust patron Kiki Divaris for her work in the past years.

“Zim-Asset begins with everyone and the ministry will support Miss Zimbabwe as she carries the hope of the nation.
“We also want to thank Divaris for her work,” he said.

The event was completely sold out and the majority of the audience was resplendent in black-and -white attire.
Phiri said she was overwhelmed by the victory and promised to represent Zimbabwe well at Miss World in December.

“I cannot believe this and I am filled with joy. This has given me courage to represent Zimbabwe well in Miss World in December,” said Phiri.
Miss Zimbabwe Trust chairperson Marry Chiwenga said it was deliberate to make the event a black tie and strictly by invite because of the negative publicity the pageant got in the past years.

“As you might have noticed, this is a black-tie, strictly-by-invite event.
“This, again, is not by mistake but deliberate. Over the years, the Miss Zimbabwe pageant has suffered from negative publicity, especially during the crowning ceremonies

“We believe that part of the problem was largely due to rowdy audiences that the pageant was attracting,” said Chiwenga.
Jah Prayzah, Alick Macheso, Trevor Dongo, Cynthia Mare, Sulumani Chimbetu, David “Apama” Machowa and Amazulu Dance group took turns to entertain the crowd.