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Byo model shines at Miss Teen Universe

Life & Style
Sibanda, who is Girls College head girl, became the first teenager to represent the country at this prestigious pageant that featured competitors from 25 countries.

BY SILISIWE MABALEKA REIGNING Miss Teen Universe Zimbabwe Tumi Sibanda (17)’s star continues to shine after she clinched the best catwalk crown at this year’s edition of Miss Teen Universe pageant held last week in Dubai.

Sibanda, who is Girls College head girl, became the first teenager to represent the country at this prestigious pageant that featured competitors from 25 countries.

Miss Teen Universe is a platform to discover and groom fresh and young modelling talent.

Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style, Sibanda said winning a pageant required one to be a good communicator, adding that her public speaking skills and eloquence did the magic for her at the pageant.

“Mental soundness of an individual is downplayed, but I believe when people support you emotionally that helps. Winning a pageant is not only about looks, but being also able to communicate,” she said.

“During my pageant journey, I have realised that emotional composure is the key in trying times. There were a lot of challenges and struggles, but in such times, one has to remain calm and I will carry that for the rest of my life.”

Director of Open Eye Studio, who is Sibanda’s manager, Samantha Tshuma said the future was bright for the teen model.

“Tumi did extremely well as it was her first time to do modelling. When she entered the pageant, she had no idea what she was doing,” she said.

“Scooping the best catwalk on her first ticket in modelling alongside those ladies who have been in the industry for long, and more being the only African girl shows how amazing Tumi is.”

Tshuma added: “Tumi had little training as she started in November, hence people were surprised when she won. She is competitive and intelligent, hoping for the best in future.”

Off the ramp, Sibanda is also part of the Zimbabwe hockey and squash team.

Miss Teen Universe Peru was crowned the pageant winner while Miss Teen Universe South Africa and Miss Teen Universe India were the first and second runners-up, respectively.

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