Tichavona Makonese
A BEVY of 16 beauties will take part in Miss Legacy Zimbabwe, part of whose proceeds will be channelled towards people living with xeroderma pigmentosum.
It is a genetic disorder in which there is a decreased ability to repair DNA damage such as that caused by ultraviolet (UV) light.
The event takes place on Saturday at Crowne Plaza Hotel from 6pm-10pm.
Philanthropist and pageant organiser, Pauline Rumbidzai Mapuvire, confirmed the event.
“Through Miss Legacy Zimbabwe, we are trying to raise more awareness about the xeroderma pigmentosum condition.
“A lot of people seem to be unaware of this condition, it has been seven years trying to push for these XP children’s recognition, but it has been very slow since there is not enough support.
“We aim to get the correct figure of those suffering from the condition so that we will have the correct figure of those in need of assistance,” she said.
Mapuvire was optimistic the pageant will make an impression.
“Through this pageant, we hope to, at least, get them a rented house in Harare that is close to the hospitals so that they can do their routine check-ups with ease.
“Since most of the XP children get their treatment in Harare, where most of their specialists are found, some tend to miss their doctor’s appointments because of delays due to lack of transport.
“Once they miss their appointments, they are rebooked to later dates which they prefer waiting for since they will not have money to travel to the village and come back again.”
She added:
“We have 16 models who will be representing our cultures in Zimbabwe and our 16 languages.
“After the pageant, these models will be working with Xeroderma Pigmentosum Family Support Organisation Towards the betterment of XP children and their families.”
Two models — Margaret Mangowe and Vannissa Tombe — who are participating in the pageant were confident of victory.
“I am very excited to take part in the pageant and through this contest I will showcase the love and beauty of my culture,” said Margaret.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Vannissa.
“l am glad that we are uplifting the disadvantaged children within our society.
“We will make a change in society through modelling.”