Harare — VIVACIOUS Sarudzai Ashley Zhanje was crowned this year's Miss Mazowe beauty queen, beating 24 other contestants at the pageant held at Mazowe Hotel last Saturday.

Jennifer Moyo (21) and Moreblesing Rupiya (15) were crowned first and second princesses respectively, winning an automatic ticket to contest at the Miss Tourism Mashonaland Central beauty pageant.

But the 19-year-old beauty might have to wait a little longer before she can receive her undisclosed prize that she said would be made available to her at a prize giving ceremony whose date is yet to be announced.

"I was really shocked, excited and a bit nervous since it was my first pageant ever.

"I think I made it because of charisma since the majority of the contestants were not confident. I am not just a model but I am also a public speaker," she said, after being asked how she felt after scooping the accolade.

By winning the crown, Sarudzai and nine other models automatically qualified for the Miss Tourism Mashonaland Central provincial contest to be held in two weeks time.

Inspired by her mother, former Herald journalist Ropafadzo Mapimhidze, and elder sister Itai, Sarudzai promised to work hard towards improving her constituency, Mazowe South, and the rest of the area.

"I am a farm girl. I stay at a farm, and I only come here to Harare for school. I am currently studying Chinese, which I started in January this year.

"I want to do a lot of programmes especially for youth empowerment on HIV and Aids and clean-up campaigns. Although I am from Mazowe South, I want to do a lot for Mazowe West and other areas. I am yet to talk to the MPs of the constituencies so that we organise what can be done," she said. The model said she was eyeing bigger things.

"I hope to take modelling to another level even internationally because most people never look that far. It just dies here in Zimbabwe. If I make it at the Miss Tourism Mashonaland Central finals then I will proceed to the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe and then internationally," said Sarudzai.

Confidence is what it takes for one to make it to a higher level.

"You can do anything you want to do in life. If you don't believe in yourself no one will believe in you.

"There can always be negative talk about you from society, even your family might discourage you. But it all starts in yourself, keep your head up," she said.

Born in April 1990 in Harare, Sarudzai grew up with a passion for the ramp.

"My first pageant was at my grandmother's house in Mazowe where my cousin always accused my aunt of favouring me.

"After that I didn't do much of modelling but went to become the president of the public speaking and drama club at Tynwald High School where I was educated," she said.