SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MASVINGO-Miss Ebony Zimbabwe pageant has been thrown into turmoil after its reigning queen and both runners up relinquished their titles amid mounting contractual disagreements that couldn’t be resolved.
The development comes at a time when Miss Ebony Zimbabwe director Bridget Mawarire allegedly failed to pay the models and support staff agreed fees after the event which was held at the upmarket resort of Madziyashe in Glen Lorne, Harare on March 28.
In an interview with The Midweek Watch, one of the models who prayed for anonymity said they decided to step down after Mawarire failed to give them their winning prizes as agreed before the event.
“We have all stepped down and relinquished our titles and crowns. This decision was due to contractual disagreements that could not be resolved. After reviewing the terms, we all felt it was best for us to step down.
“The contractual terms didn’t align with our expectations and we couldn’t find common ground. We haven’t been paid our prizes and this also contributed to our stepping down. It was a difficult decision, but we felt it was necessary for our personal and professional growth and reputation,” she said.
She said their journey was not going to end as a result of the challenges faced.
“We are not going to stop this modelling journey. We are eager to take on new challenges and pursue our modeling passion,” she added.
In a press release on June 18, 2025 the Miss Ebony Zimbabwe rubbished all the claims made by the models.
“The crowned queen unfortunately did not meet several deliverables required by the Miss Ebony Africa organisation, including fulfilling the international participation obligations. These were communicated clearly and we remain hopeful that she continues to grow her personal career.
“The First Runner Up voluntarily relinquished her title in order to pursue another opportunity aligned with her aspirations.
“The Second Runner Up stepped down following a managerial decision unrelated to our organisation,” reads part of the statement.
However, in a recent interview with The Midweek Watch Mawarire who is allegedly accused of swindling the models and support staff defended herself saying the event was nullified following the March 31 demonstrations.
She said they only resorted to name winners without any contest, a comment which raised suspicions over the credibility and value of pageantry in the country.
“As we speak, there is no winner in the Miss Ebony beauty pageant which could not kick off as a result of the Blessed Geza March 31 demonstrations. So no one is going to be paid because the event could not happen. As such, we are only going to handpick only one model to represent the country in South Africa,” she said although this was disputed by the models.
Bridget is accused of swindling the models of more than US$10 000 according to sources who spoke to The Midweek Watch on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation although she denied at first that the event went ahead as planned.
Accommodation and ancillary staff are allegedly owed US$3 840, models were promised over US$1000 each with the winner walking away with a Vitz Toyota new shape and cash prize.
