The Sunday News
DESPITE being embroiled in a number of indecorous scandals which have led to questions of legitimacy and professionalism being raised, Miss Grand Zimbabwe (MGZ) pageant and its licence holder, Chris Vukani Mhlanga have unveiled a new beauty queen to represent the country.
United Kingdom-based 23-year-old Lillie Chopamba was last week unveiled as this year’s representative. According to Mhlanga looking as far as the UK for a representative was in line with the licence requirements.
The selection of the beauty queen comes barely less than a month after Mhlanga was accused of leading 23-year-old Marble Nyathi into believing that she was to represent Zimbabwe at the grand finale in Thailand.
Not only was Mhlanga accused of misleading Nyathi but was also accused of proposing love to her and also swindling her of $180 in a purported contract for the pageant.
Mhlanga, however, vehemently denied some of the allegations, comparing Nyathi to a “thing”, stating that he was an ethical and professional person.
During the commotion that saw the two throwing tantrums at each other, Mhlanga admitted he had started scouting for other models to replace Nyathi, declaring that her rough and chapped skin did not meet requirements.
“She knew the requirements for Miss Grand; I had repeatedly announced that we needed flawless skin. We were doing these photo shoots with her and the other girls wearing denims. I nominated her and then asked her to bring her swim suit because Miss Grand is particular with that category. She brought the swim suit, went into the studio with the photographer and make-up artists only to make swim suit photo shots.
When I saw the pictures I was very disappointed. Her skin was so rough and full of scars, kungani uphalwe ngerazor. We tried waxing her, polishing her up but nothing changed and I had to look for other models,” he said.
“We promised to deliver and that is what we are going to do. We want to do better than last year. Therefore that is why we have brought out a girl that has quality, regardless of what has happened. Miss Grand Zimbabwe 2014 is none other than flawless 23-year-old UK-based; Lillie Chopamba,” he said.
Mhlanga said in future all those willing to participate in the pageant should be able to meet all the standards and requirements.
“Models know and shouldn’t waste their time or that of the casting agent if they don’t meet requirements. I know people think that I have personalised this but it is not the case. MGZ is a national thing, the issue is that I am strict and want to nurture and enhance quality. Last year there was an outcry but regardless of the issues we made it into the top 20.
“I am confident that Lillie will do the country proud, as she comes from a reputable agency. We hope to see better models next year so as to avoid such confusion. If things, however, remain the same we will continue to seek internationally based girls to represent Zimbabwe. This was a counter measure and I don’t enjoy doing this but people should realise that I don’t do this for fun but to get the country on the map. My name, family and my country’s name is at stake,” he said.
Chopamba presently has a contract and is affiliated to La Reines Model Management agency in UK.
She was born in Marondera where she lived with her grandparents before moving to UK at the age of 11.
“My parents separated when I was 13 and I moved in with my dad. My dad is an amazing father. He has sacrificed a lot for my siblings and I. He has also taught me how to be independent as a woman,” she said.
Chopamba said she went to Hartley 1 School in Chegutu and Ardbennie School in Harare.
“After moving to the United Kingdom I attended Shirley and Wycombe High Schools respectively. I then went to Brunel University where I graduated with a degree in psychology. Ideally I would like to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology,” she said.
Chopamba noted that she was an enterprising young lady who started her own company that specialises in women’s accessories when she was doing A-level.
“While I was in upper six I started a company that specialises in women’s accessories and won best presentation at school, as a project. I also worked as a counsellor at a special needs camp in Minnesota for three months. I worked with adults and children with different disabilities such as autism, Downs Syndrome and personality disorders.
“I have participated in the Duke of Edinburgh gold award 2014. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an internationally recognised programme operating in 100 countries and has three levels. Recipients go to one of the royal palaces to accept the award in the presence of the Duke of Edinburgh,” she said.
Chopamba noted that she wanted to see the girl child rise beyond measure and take control of her life.
“We must lift each other as women and focus on girl child empowerment. Jealousy gets us nowhere. We want to see each other doing well. This is something we can learn from our male counterparts. In addition I aim to be one of those that defy the connotations associated with being a black woman, which entail not having all doors opening to us. With determination and right attitude the sky is the limit,” she said.
The Miss Grand International finale will be held in Thailand’s capital Bangkok on 7 October at the Indoor Stadium Huamark.
Last year MGZ was embroiled in a similar scandal, where the then licence holder Samantha Tshuma was accused of nominating herself to represent Zimbabwe in place of the chosen representative – Fungai Mawada.
Tshuma managed to make it into the top 20 swim wear competition segment.
