Blessing Nduku
Eighteen year old awaiting student for the Zambian Cavendish University f Social Work 2024 intake Tadiwanashe Christine Manene (18) has been crowned Miss Gweru 2024 ahead of eight other contestants last weekend at Cathedral hall.
Mitchell Mabeza (21) a second year Human Resources Management student at Midlands State University (MSU) was crowned 1st Princess whilst Nothabo Ncube (21) a fourth year Public Management and Governance student at MSU won the 2nd Princess title. “In an interview with this reporter after the crowning ceremony Tadiwa Christine Manene said that it is her first time wining on a big event like this.
“I am still in shock with what happened today, I am excited and it feels so unreal. The journey has not been easy, the ups and downs while trying to make beautiful outfits with cheaper materials.”
For being chosen the most beauty with brains Tadiwanashe received US$500 courtesy of Glow Petroleum, Mitchell Mabeza with US$300 driving lessons and Ncube with US$200 and driving lessons from MID-Drive Driving School.
Except being crowned Miss Gweru Manene won the best Avante-Grante category with her condom dress.
Manene said that she wanted to link her Avante-Grante dress to her mission statement which s advocacy against sexual abuse as well as teaching out young girls to be conscious of their sexual reproductive health.
“I wanted to link my Avante dress and my mission statement which is advocacy against sexual abuse and also that we know when rape happens most of the time, condoms are never used.”
“Even in consensual relationships we d not use condoms so this dress was a message to all that we really need to protect ourselves.”
Miss Super Model Wadzanai Gondo (23), Miss Talent Courtney Mpofu (19), People’s Choice, Miss personality Ashley Silafe (21) each received US$50 cash prices. “Manene said that she will use her title to fight against sexual abuse and is willing to work with lie-minded people.
“As an advocate against sexual abuse I will try and collaborate with initiatives as well as organizations that supports and empowers survivors of sexual abuse and I want to create a culture of consent where everyone’s boundaries are respected and perpetrators are held accountable of their actions.
This year’s pageant marks the 16th Edition which was also a tribute to the late 2010 Miss Gweru Queen Tashana Heather Andrews who passed away sometime this year.
Image Modelling Agency Founder Mavis Koslek said that Miss Gweru pageant is in its 16th year and aims to celebrate young women’s intelligence, confidence and beauty and also make them brand ambassadors of Gweru in Tourism.
Glow Petroleum was one of the main sponsors along with Milan Restaurant, Booties Pharmacies, MID-Drive, Mahogany Tv, Mahein-Glem, Sip Cty, Royal Kengz, CN Photography Studio, Image modeling Consultancy and many others.
Manene also won the Miss Teen Super Globe Best Talent tittle in 2022.
Soulful singer Nyasha David was the guest musician for this year’s edition along with Royal Kengz dance group.
