Miss Zimbabwe UK 2010

The 3rd year Journalist student impressed the judges and audience members with her beauty, elegance and intelligence. In this interview SW Radio Africa journalist Lance Guma spoke to her soon after she was crowned.

So how does a journalism student decide to enter a beauty pageant and actually win? Should you not have been on the other side of the stage reporting?

Well I am not a stranger to beauty pageants. I entered in 2007 and made it to the final 8. I dont give up easily, which is a trait of a journalist.

How confident were you that you could win the crown?

When they called my name it was so surreal. The competition was grilling.

Did you have to do anything to prepare for the competition?

Oh boy, I went through what I call my beauty rituals, like drinking 2 litres of water a day, going to the gym to stay in shape, if I couldnt go to the gym I would walk everywhere, even to my part time job which takes like 45 minutes. We had a pageant trainer who flew in from South Africa especially for us.

Traditionally people tend to criticise pageants as exploiting semi-naked women for commercial gain. Whats your take on this debate?

I think beauty sells no doubt about that. Nobody can exploit you if you have the beauty with brains.

So what do you plan on focusing on during your reign?

I have a number of charities in Zimbabwe I would like to help. I will be working with ZimExpo and Econet UK and others.

Do you think the crown will change who you are?

Not really, I hope it doesnt unleash my inner diva, I wouldnt like that. Though Im having more attention from people like you.

What kind of music do you listen to?

At the moment Ive got mainstream music on my iPod.

If you were to be given super powers, what would you change in Zimbabwe?

I would create more jobs definitely, especially in the manufacturing industry and improve on all social services.

How has your family reacted to this pageant win?

My family has been supportive from the beginning. My mother was the first person to hug me on the stage, she couldnt wait for me to be crowned.