As we inch toward the end of the first semester, anticipation is rising at the University campus for the annual Miss UZ pageant.
From the initial 25 contestants selected after the two auditions, the coaches selected the cream of the crop, to leave just 15 finalists. However, Mufaro Chikazunga dropped out from the pageant citing “personal reasons”, meaning only 14 ladies will battle for the Miss UZ crown. These are:
- Patience Bhumure
- Simone Bota
- Anesu Captain
- Millicent Chigede
- Chengeto Kanyai
- Hazel Chikukwa
- Trish Kamuzonde
- Tinotenda Mandova
- Ashley Shumbanhete
- Whitney Mukucha
- Sharmaine Chirwa
- Nicole Tanyanyiwa
- Tanyaradzwa Chiroto
- Fadzai Mhizha
Preparations for the big night are already at an advanced stage, and the Rotaract Club is leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of a polished pageant.
Speaking to Mcheno and More, UZ Rotaract Club Vice President Ashley Liyaniya Tembo revealed that the organisers have been pulling all the strings to ensure that the entire student fraternity enjoys Miss UZ.
“Preparing for this pageant has been exciting. Miss UZ is bigger than just Rotaract UZ, the entire institution looks forward to it. We have been full on with preparations, working towards giving the people a great show,” she said.
In addition to the rigorous rehearsals for the big night, the finalists have also been keeping busy with fitness and charity activities as part of their preparations.
They enjoyed a stimulating workout session at Invictus Fitness Centre in Westgate that stretched the limits of their bodies, whilst also shaping them up for the runway.
On the first Friday of May, they participated in a clean up campaign around the University of Zimbabwe campus. Cleanliness, as with charity, begins at home.
The ladies also visited Passions Children’s Home in Hatcliffe, where they cooked and served before enjoying some well-spent time the children.
All work and no play would be torture for the pretty girls, and the organisers decided to give them a beach day at Crowhill Beach.
The Miami-esque entertainment resort provided the finalists some much needed fun-time as they prepare for the big night, now on 31 May instead of the initially envisaged 1 June.
The change, according to the organisers, is due to a congested school events calendar that might’ve left students battling with indecision.
Nonetheless, given the road that has been travelled thus far, the show is sure to live up to its billing as the best university pageant in Zimbabwe.
Miss Dube concluded;
“The people can expect an upgraded Miss UZ show with great performances, guest appearances, and an electric atmosphere.
“It is a night that’s going to be more than worth their time and money; and of course, they should look forward to the crowning of a queen who is going to make an impact in the UZ community.”
Under the theme ‘Radiant reflections: Shaping tomorrow through today’s actions’, the 2024 edition of Miss UZ is not to be missed. Be sure to be there for the pomp and fanfare, starting off at 1600hrs at the University of Zimbabwe Great Hall.
