Tichavona Makonese
SIJABULILE Vusilie Msimanga (18) was over the moon after she was crowned Miss Legacy Zimbabwe 2023 on Saturday night in Harare.
The inaugural pageant was dedicated to helping people living with the Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) condition.
It’s also an annual tourism charitable event that aims to promote the cultural empowerment of the girl child and preserve the heritage of Zimbabwe.
Msimanga, who is based in Harare, shrugged off tough competition from 12 other contestants who were vying for the crown and walked away with the grand prize.
Vanissa Blessmore Tombe was crowned the first countess after representing the Nambya tribe from Hwange and the Mhofu totem.
ldah Manwere was also crowned as the second countess, representing the Korekore tribe and the Gumbo totem.
In an interview with H-Metro soon after her crowning, Msimanga said she was excited by the achievement.
“I am highly honoured to be the winner of this pageant. I have learnt a lot as l was representing the Moyo totem and the Sotho tribe from Gwanda. Surely, it’s important to maintain and preserve our culture.
“I greatly appreciate this event which also seeks to assist vulnerable children living with XP condition,” she said.
Similar sentiments were shared by pageant founder, Pauline Rumbidzai Mapuvire.
“As an organisation, we are currently looking for assistance in renting a house close to the hospital so that when XP children come for their routine check-ups and operations, they have a place to be housed. Our main aim is to eventually have a home for them.”
Guests were entertained by the energetic musician, Ba Shupi, who played his hits songs Godo and Mhururu.
Judges at the event were Edith Nyawo, Connie Moyo, and Namatirai Mounchikpou.