Zimbabweans across the world have hailed reigning Miss Zimbabwe Malaika Mushandu for her outstanding performance at the Miss World final in London on Sunday.
Being named in the final 15 and coming out ninth in the final elimination stage was a milestone achievement for Mushandu.
She becomes the second Zimbabwean to make it into the top 10 at Miss World after Angeline Musasiwa, who was number four at the world’s biggest pageant in 1994.
Another Zimbabwean wonder girl Vanessa Sibanda was number 12 at the pageant in 2009. She has gone on to shine in other international pageants.
In the run to the final Mushandu also stood high when she was voted in the top 10 of Beauty With a Purpose and was in the final 20 in both Beach Beauty and Top Model.
Since Sunday, Zimbabweans have been showering Mushandu with praises.
ZimGossip Models director Mercy “Catwalk” Mushaninga had this to say: “Malaika showed that she could do it besides the negative criticism she got from people. Considering her age, Malaika proved she has the brains.”
Miss Zimbabwe 2004 Oslie Muringai said she was proud of Mushandu.
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“I am very proud of Malaika because that’s the best we have reached after Angie Musasiwa. She has done well,” said Muringai.
Reigning Miss Tourism Zimbabwe Rumbidzai Mudzengerere said: “Malaika did remarkably well to have landed number nine. I am very excited about her accomplishment because even though she did not get the crown, she was the second best from Africa.”
Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister Walter Mzembi heartily praised Mushandu: “Our diamond girl did her best as she made it into the top 10. We were last in the top 10 with Angie in 1994. Zimbabwe was mentioned countless times to a billion people who watched this programme on Sunday. Forward ever Zimbabwe, well done Malaika.”
On Mushandu’s Facebook page, comments continue to flow and below are some of the complements from various people:
Jeff Murimbechi Well done Malaika Mushandu, you are our number one followed by Miss Puerto Rico and Venezuela. You stood out there thousands of miles away from home and represented all 14 million of us.
Glo Diamond Malaika Mushandu, thank you for being such a great ambassador for Zimbabwe and making us proud. Your exuberant confidence and passion are inspiring and overwhelming. Well done, you are a winner in your own right and we all love you.
Tare Munzara She set a good standard and that standard should go beyond the one set during Miss World camp and in the auditorium. Malaika did what a lot of Zimbabwean models have never achieved at Miss World. History has been made by a 19-year-old girl.
Boniface Chimedza You fought a good fight and excelled beyond the First World standards. You made us proud as a people and gave us dignity as a continent. They say the judges’ decision is final, but by our own standards, we know that you could have easily have grabbed that crown, but there is politics everywhere.
Washington Ali Well done, girl. You were shining flying the Zim flag on the stage. The real work begins now and you need to show Zimbabwe and the world how powerful you are after your experience with Miss World. Sow a seed to those who are following in your footsteps.
Arthur Gwagwa It is not the physical trophy that matters, but what matters is taking part. All of you girls carried trophies. The trophies are hidden in our hearts and the hearts of the less privileged whose lives you have touched. Well done, girl. Keep it up.
