By Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Miss World Zimbabwe pageant organisers have extended auditions of the national pageant to Saturday to cater for models from other parts of the country that could not make it to the selection process early.
The auditions started on Tuesday with models from Harare and surrounding areas dominating the list. The selection is being chaired by Miss Zimbabwe Trust chairperson Marry Chiwenga.
In an interview, pageant spokesperson Tendai Chirau said about 25 girls came for auditions and they saw it fit to extend the auditions. The final list will have 22 contestants.
“We had about 25 girls who came for auditions last Tuesday and most of them were from Harare. We saw the need to extend the auditions so we can accommodate girls from other provinces.
“Those who missed the scouting process held in Harare and Bulawayo can still come in their best gear to meet the selection committee.
“Chancers are not welcome and please note that we are aware of the deadline for Miss World 2016, which is July 29.
“The finale has more than 100 countries taking part of and so far around 50 have registered,” he said.
He said they want the best from the girls hence they took their time in scouting and auditioning.
“If we don’t have the best girls in our final selection, definitely we will not hold the pageant. After we have done the auditions we will announce the date for Miss World Zimbabwe, with other developments to follow such as who are the designers we are working with and hosts among others,” he said.
However a close source said amongst the girls that have so far auditioned, very few were impressive.
“I think they are extending because some of the girls did not meet their criteria.
“We want the best of the beauty not just an ordinary model. My fear now for them is the short time that is left to groom their queen for international stage since we are just five months away from the Miss World pageant. We need proper time for planning,” said a source.
The organisers are searching for girls aged 18 to 26 years, 1,71 meters tall and slim, single and never married or given birth and should be able to communicate well in English among others.
Miss World 2016 pageant will take place in December in Washington, District of Columbia (USA).
This will be the 66th edition of the world’s largest beauty contest, and the second time it is held on United States, after taking place in Atlanta (Georgia) in 1991.
The reigning Miss World is Spain’s Mireia Lalaguna while reigning Miss World Zimbabwe is Anne Grace Mutambu. The Herald
