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Sheila flanked by Second Princess Chengetayi Mnisi (left) and first princess Chantelle Jeradi (right)

Godwin Muzari Showbiz Mirror
On the shores of Lake Kariba on a moonlit Saturday night, curvaceous models strutted on the ramp showcasing their nicely built bodies.
Some of the ladies that contested do not have a modelling background and they were on the ramp by virtue of having curves.
The pageant, a brainchild of Mercy Mushaninga of Zim Gossip modelling agency was designed to give aspiring models that are not recognised by most pageants a chance to exhibit their beauty.

Because the majority of pageants in the country and beyond have strict prescriptions on height and weight, beauty contests that go against the norm like Miss Curvy have been initiated locally.

Unfortunately, the pageants lack support and most of them fold due to lack of resources.
This year’s edition was the fourth for Miss Curvy but organisers say they only got a few sponsors since they started the contest, which is compromising the pageant.
Mushaninga says they mainly depend on the agency’s resources to run the pageant, which is a serious threat to the initiative.

It seems sponsors are no longer interested in pageants as evidenced by the hurdles that Miss Zimbabwe faced since the departure of primary sponsor Zimbabwe Tourism Authority. Miss Zimbabwe could not take place last year because of financial difficulties and Marry Chiwenga had to come to its rescue this year.

Pageants are facing serious challenges yet in some countries, modelling is heavily supported and models get serious endorsements.
The industry is in a sorry state in Zimbabwe.

It becomes harder for pageants like Miss Curvy that defy the norm of traditional pageants.
This is the reason why pageants like Miss Big, Miss Biggy Matofotofo and Miss Rural Zimbabwe could not last. Of course, some of the pageants had various controversies that affected them but the common denominator in failure of pageants is lack of sponsorship.

At this year’s Miss Curvy only OK Mart provided groceries and Zim Gossip had to grapple with many other expenses, especially considering that the pageant was held in a remote destination.

Mushaninga hoped to attract interest in the pageant by taking it to a resort town.
She hoped the corporate community in Kariba and other companies that targeted travellers and tourists would take advantage of the pageant to market their products.

Potential sponsors could not buy the idea and the pageant took place on a tight budget.
Although it ran smoothly, the pageant weighed heavily on the shoulders of Zim Gossip that had to keep the models in boot camp for more than a week.

The modelling agency also hired equipment for the event, sourced decoration and engaged entertainers.
They could not source prizes for the winners, which makes the pageant uninspiring.

Mushaninga has a passion for modelling and she has vowed to continue holding the pageant until people come aboard to support her.
She received numerous promises before the pageant but her would-be sponsors did not fulfil their promises.

She managed to inspire the ladies that were in camp and the winners are confident they will make it during their reigns regardless of the tough challenges they face.
Recently crowned Miss Curvy Zimbabwe Sheila Chikengezha and her Princesses Chantelle Jeradi and Chengetayi Mnisi concur they have a tough reign ahead.

They have pledged to work hard and make people realise the importance of the pageant.
The idea of celebrating heavily built women is noble and needs support.

It celebrates beauty in the African sense as compared to other pageants that define beauty the “Western” way.
It is disheartening that most organisations bankroll arts initiatives that promote foreign productions, products and ideals when unique ideas that seek to expose local talent are always crying for sponsorship.

It is hight time that mind frame has to change to help locals.