-as GZU student strikes gold
Roseline Mutare
The highly anticipated Miss Charles Austin 2024 pageant drew a massive crowd to the Charles Austin Theatre at Civic Centre Masvingo, showcasing the community’s unwavering support for local talent.
Cynthia Mavonyani, 21, a Great Zimbabwe University student shrugged off competition from mother contendres to be crowned the inaugural Miss Charles Austin Queen.
Ropafadzo Peace Manyanga and Mufaro Grace Maushe secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively. Magret Natasha Nhoro and Miyananiso Melania Whinya took home the Miss Personality and Miss People’s Choice awards.
According to esteemed judge Clementina Ali, Mavonyani’s impeccable grooming, confidence, and articulate responses during the Question and Answer segment set her apart from the other aspirants.
The event featured 13 talented models competing in four categories, Introduction, Talent, Culture, and Evening Wear. Renowned beauty queen Nothando Gugulethu Sibanda Toto, Miss Africa Zimbabwe, and Junior Jewels of Masvingo Kings and Queens graced the occasion.
Organizer Tajae Mwenda expressed delight at the overwhelming community support, noting that both this event and previous pageants are breaking records in Masvingo’s pageantry history.
Mwenda extended heartfelt gratitude to the Charles Austin Theatre committee led by the versatile arts coach and author Ticha Comfort Nyandoro, Mutirikwi Lakeshore Lodge, and Asher Media for their sponsorship.
Beyond a beauty contest, Miss Charles Austin 2024 aimed to revolutionize Masvingo’s modelling industry. Mwenda envisioned a platform fostering a supportive community, promoting modelling as a profession, and empowering models to advocate for social causes.
With Mavonyani as the newly crowned brand ambassador, Mwenda vows to host the pageant annually, promising a brighter, more inclusive, and empowering modelling industry in Masvingo.
