Little-known Rumbidzai Mangezi (19) was last Saturday night crowned Miss Tourism Beitbridge 2009 at a contest held at the Export Processing Zone complex.

Mangezi, a receptionist, romped to victory after shrugging off stiff challenge from 14 other contestants.

For her efforts, she walked away with R5 000 cash and several hampers sponsored by N and R enterprises.

The trio of Gugulethu Mataga (22), Duduzile Ndlovu (23) and Gugulethu Dube were crowned 1st princess, 2nd princess and Miss personality respectively.

Mangezi and princesses are set to represent the border town during the forthcoming national Miss Tourism Zimbabwe finals penciled for Harare in February next year.

Mataga, Ndlovu and Dube walked way with cash prizes of R2500, R1500 and R500.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority-organised event was held for the second year running.

The beauty queens were drawn from several areas locally and they include students from different colleges in the border town.

Previous winners are Alinda Mabhena, Cleopatra Ncube and Sylen Zhanje.

Cleopatra Ncube is the current Miss Personality Zimbabwe.

Mangezi has since kick-started projects that seek to empower the girl child in the district.

She hopes to do well at the national finals next year and promised to work hard on her strengths.

This year's event was spiced up by entertainment from MADZI and the Extra Large Crew who put up flawless performances.

Officials from ZTA were happy that the pageant was attracting the attention of youths as witnessed by the increase in the number of participants and sponsorship this year.

Last year, 10 girls participated at the event and this year the number rose to 15.