VALERIE Gugulethu Chingonzo was on Saturday night crowned Miss Universities 2013 at Ochi City in Harare.
Winstone Antonio,Own Correspondent
The 22 year old student from the Women’s University of Africa bagged the top prize ahead of 25 others who were vying for the same title.
Simbiso Hazel Mutandavari from the same university was the first princess while Siboninkosi Hove from Africa University became the second princess.
Carol Mutasa and Mellisa Moyo both from University of Zimbabwe won Miss Talent and Miss Personality respectively.
For winning the crown, Chingonzo walked away with a Toyota Vitz, iPad, and tuition for two semesters among other cash prizes and hampers.
The newly crowned queen is set to represent the country at the Miss Universities Africa finals which are expected to be held next year at a date and venue yet to be announced.
Chingonzo could not hold back tears of joy during the interview as she could not believe that she was the winner of the highly publicised pageant.
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“It is a dream come true for me landing the Miss Universities 2013 crown and I am really excited,” she said.
“It was not that easy, but God has done it for me after facing stiff competition from other beauties who were equally good.”
Chingonzo believes winning the pageant is the start of her journey towards charity work and has promised to embark on different projects that were aimed at empowering the rural girl child, adding that she will serve her title with honour.
Apart from the modelling extravaganza at the show, contemporary reggae artiste Jah Prayzah, Guspy Warrior and rising star Alcem from Masvingo put up mouth-watering performances.
Meanwhile, the event organisers have expressed gratitude about the success of the event.
“On behalf of Miss Universities organising team I would like to thank all those who joined us on board to have such a successful event. We are going to keep on working hard so that we keep the pageant running,” Prominance Makaza, who was part of the organising team, said.
Miss Universities beauty pageant continues to grow and has made positive progress in improving the quality of models since its inception in 2010.
Top flight models like Rumbidzai Mudzengerere and Lisa Morgan were some of the successful products from the pageant who have managed to hold their own with successes on international platforms.
