The Sunday News
Peter Matika Senior Leisure Reporter
IN spite of all the ruckus surrounding the Miss Grand Zimbabwe pageant almost reaching boiling point, MGZ 2014 representative Lillie Chopamba has said she remains focused on her role to raise the national flag high. In an interview with Sunday Leisure last Thursday, Chopamba said she wanted to emphasise the importance of remembering the message Miss Grand International stood for and to represent Zimbabwe to her fullest ability.
“To be honest I don’t get myself involved in commotions, my job is to represent Zimbabwe to the best of my ability and that is my main concern. I just want to emphasise the importance of remembering the message Miss Grand International 2014 stands for.
“The Stop the War Campaign is very important and people will do well to remember that anything that aides to enhance and save people’s lives is everyone’s problem. I am honoured to be flying our flag high in a pageant that is not only highly reputable but one that stands up for human values, fairness, equality and peace,” she said.
Chopamba, the eldest of three children, revealed that this was her first pageant and was also happy that her debut in the industry was through an international event.
“I started modelling recently but I had done a few photo shoots beforehand. I did a bicycle shoot with a renowned photographer named Eric Jorrin, who works with Vogue and Elle magazines. The shots I did were for charity,” she said.
Chopamba also mentioned that she was keen on bringing about change and campaign for positive change through modelling.
“As long as the industry will have me, I will finally get to appreciate having a baby face, looking younger than my age will come in handy,” she said light heartedly.
The 23-year-old United Kingdom-based Chopamba was born in Marondera and lived there until the age of 11.
“At age 11 my father took over caring and raising me, he has been my hero and has raised me to be an independent woman.
“I attended Brunel University and graduated with a degree in psychology, while working three jobs. I am presently involved in a few charitable activities that include the Duke of Edinburgh, which is a scheme set up by Prince Phillip and involves a number of aspects such as volunteering, expeditions and learning skills,” she said.
