ZIMBABWE’S representative in the first edition of Miss Grand International 2013, Samantha Tshuma, has returned home empty-handed after failing to make it to the top 10 of the colourful competition held in Bangkok, Thailand, last Tuesday night.
SINDISO DUBE OWN CORRESPONDENT
Tshuma, however, atoned for her failure to make it to the top 10 by managing to be the only African to make it into the top 20. The Zimbabwean competed against 74 other contestants drawn from all over the world.
It was Miss Puerto Rico, Janelee Chaparro, who was crowned the first queen of the pageant on the night. Tshuma was listed in the top 20 of the pageants’ beauty contestants and top 20 swimsuits.
Talking to Southern Eye Lifestyle Chris Mhlanga, the model’s public relations manager, was full of praise for Tshuma.
“It has been three years since she faced fierce competition. For a model who last did a pageant in 2010 and hasn’t faced challenges, she has done well at a much bigger stage like this,” he said.
Mhlanga revealed that preparations for next year’s competition had started and that it would be bigger.
“We have started short-listing for the 2014 edition and we are looking into girls who can do as much as Samantha, if not better,” said Mhlanga.
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He urged the country to support its own models on local and international competitions. The reigning Chaparro will serve as Miss Grand International Organisation’s ambassador in promoting peace and harmony.
Chaparro, who walked away with $30 000, will be based in Bangkok during her one-year reign and will be resident at The Tower, in the midtown area of the country’s bustling capital city.
She will be the face of Miss Grand International and represent the organisation in various events related to the “Stop the War” campaign.
