ZIMBABWE’S 2014 representative to the Miss Earth international pageant finals, Sandiswe Bhule, jets off for the Philippines tomorrow for the finals slated for November 29. NONHLANHLA SIBANDA OWN CORRESPONDENT
Bhule shrugged off fierce competition from 14 other contestants to land the coveted crown at the national finals held at the Bulawayo Theatre in September.
The Environment, Water and Climate ministry and the Environment Management Agency (EMA) have been instrumental in facilitating Bhule’s trip to Manila.
Speaking to Southern Eye Lifestyle yesterday, Thandekile Muringa, former Miss Zimbabwe-US and Miss Earth-Zimbabwe, who runs the local event, said Bhule was prepared for the pageant.
Muringa expressed gratitude to Environment minister Saviour Kasukuwere and EMA for their assistance.
“We sought help from the Environment, Water and Climate minister Kasukuwere to assist in Sandiswe Bhule’s trip to the Philippines,” she added.
Speaking to Southern Eye lifestyle in a separate interview Kasukuwere said he had asked EMA, which has been supporting the pageant for the past few years, to help the local pageant organisers “in whichever way possible”.
“I believe it is important to support such events,” he said.
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“The pageant used to be sponsored by the Environmental Management Agency in the past and I asked them to see how best they can help them.”
EMA’s public relations officer Steady Kangata could not be reached for comment as he was out of office.
Muringa added that they had been working hard as Bhule prepared for the finals.
“We have been working with local designers to make dresses for use in the competition,” she said.
“Danayi Chapfika of Haus of Stone, who recently featured at the Zimbabwe Fashion Weekend, has made all of Bhule’s resort wear dresses. Rudo Nondo of Anaia Fashion is making her formal evening gowns and cocktail dresses,” she said.
Ndau Collection of Victoria Falls has provided her with the national costume whose characteristics include beadwork.
While waiting to attend the finals in Manila, Bhule has been actively involved in community projects including tree planting at King George VI School and an eco-challenge quiz at Mukuvisi Woodlands in collaboration with Unicef.
Bhule has been learning to play the mbira for her talent show performance.
