Tributes pour in for Kiki Divaris

By Bridget Mananavire

HARARE – Tributes continued to pour in yesterday for veteran beauty pageant organiser Kiki Divaris who died of pneumonia on Saturday morning.

Divaris, who was 91 made an influence in the lives of many Zimbabweans.

At the time of her death Divaris was the patron of Miss Zimbabwe Trust and honourary president of the Hellenic Ladies Association of Zimbabwe.

“A true Spartan till the end. Rest in peace Kiki next to your beloved Tony. A job well done! We are all orphans today. Our deepest sympathy to Sotiri, Dimitri, Irene, and to her grandchildren,” Hellenes in Zimbabwe said in a statement.

Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Senegal and Gambia Trudy Stevenson wrote: “The Great Lady of Harare, A truly wonderful and generous woman and great promoter of Zimbabwe. Condolences, may she rest in peace.”

Born in Mystra Sparta, Greece, Kiki Babaletakis grew up in Cape Town where she married her late husband Tony Divaris and had two children, Sotiri and Dimitri Divaris. The family moved to Zimbabwe in the 50’s.

Former Miss Zimbabwe Bongani Dlakama, told the Daily News that Divaris taught her to give and to be selfless.

“I was very saddened by the death of Kiki, I learnt so much from her, and she had so much wisdom. I wish I could attend the funeral but I cannot as I am in Bulawayo and unfortunately cannot take time off. Kiki was a mother figure, and a mentor who was so warm.

“I enjoyed being around her. One thing that I really cherished that she taught me was to be kind. She told me that if even if you did not have much you should strive to make a difference in someone else’s life,” said Dlakama.

Fine and visual artist as well as radio presenter Emmanuel Takavada known as Tshila said Divaris had gone with the key to so many great things.

“Kiki left shoes only memories of her great contribution to the Zimbabwean community can fit. She was a true benefactor of orphans, widows and the less privileged.

“A true nationalist, every door I went through she opened. Most people have no idea how much she touched everyone’s life daily. Great women do not die, they pass on.” Tshila said.

Black Opal cosmetics said: “You will always be remembered as a pioneer and leader in the Zimbabwean beauty industry. May your soul rest in peace.” Daily News