Zimpapers Logo

Zimbabwe at a glamourous event held at Harare International Conference Centre on Friday.

For her exploits, the Harare-based chef walked away with prizes worthy
US$78 000 among them a Mercedes Benz and US$20 000 cash. University of Zimbabwe law student Thabiso Phiri was crowned Miss Heritage and walked away with prizes worth US$28 000.

The ecstatic Dananai said she would represent the country with pride and honour.

“I am very happy. I hope to lead the carnival proceedings and do well when I represent the country at Miss Tourism World in Rio De Janeiro later this year,” she said.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief exucutive Karikoga Kaseke said Dananai will take up the duties of Miss Tourism Zimbabwe.

“We have since abandoned the Miss Zimbabwe pageant due to internal reasons within the ZTA contrary to what the media has been speculating,” he said.

The Carnival Queen’s duties will include leading the main carnival procession on May 25. She will also be the face of the Zimbabwe International Carnival and will go on to represent the country at various international carnivals.

Thabiso, who was crowned Miss Heritage will be the face of Zimbabwe’s Heritage and will, therefore, represent the country at the forthcoming Miss Heritage World pageant to be held in Victoria Falls in August.

The inaugural Miss Carnival attracted a lot of people and musicians such as Suluman Chimbetu, Cindy Munyavi and Winky D entertained the crowd. Cindy abandoned her usual urban groove sound and opted for rhumba. She also played Simon Chimbetu song “One Way,” much to the delight of the fans. As has become the norm, Suluman Chimbetu’s “Sean Timba” proved to be the crowd’’s favourite.

The newly crowned Dananai’s first call of duty was being the guest of honour at the Carnival Gospel afternoon that was held on Saturday and featured Benjamin Dube among other artistes.