Kiki Divaris, patron of the Miss Zimbabwe Trust, has assured followers of the beauty contest this years edition pencilled for March 23 will take place despite facing numerous challenges.
Her assurance comes amid fears that the Trust might fail to acquire the $500 000 they announced was needed to have a smooth event.
In an interview with NewsDay, Divaris said she was confident the pageant would be held successfully. Do not worry, Miss Zimbabwe is going to take place, said Divaris, who refused to give further details on the current financial position.
Asked whether they would approach the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) for assistance, Divaris retorted: Why are you asking that? We have always enjoyed a cordial relationship with ZTA.
In fact, when we are prepared to say anything publicly, we will invite you for a briefing.
ZTA chief executive officer Karikoga Kaseke announced at a Press conference recently that he was ready to assist only if approached.
Kaseke lambasted organisers of the pageant, saying they were handling the girls unconventionally.
This followed reports the contestants were staying at a local lodge, which Kaseke said was unfit for Miss Zimbabwe contestants.
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You cannot house potential national queens at a lodge infested with prostitutes, said Kaseke. The girls were later evicted only two days after booking into Palm Lodge following manager Moses Manyengavanas realisation that the organisers had no money.
One of the Miss Zimbabwe organisers, Gerald Mushonga said the models had now been moved to a secret camp in Marondera. We will be announcing the venue when we are through with shooting and trimming the list, said Mushonga.
Despite Divaris confidence, speculation was still rife the pageant might not take off or if it did, it would fail to meet the standards set by ZTA.
The ZTA rescued the pageant about seven years ago when it had fallen on hard times after many sponsors pulled out due to economic challenges.
