DEBORAH KABONGO from Harare was all smiles after she beat 11 other models to win the Miss Chez Ntemba title on Valentine's Day last week. The 21-year-old model won US$300 prize money, a beauty hamper and a voucher for dinner for two at Crowne Plaza Momomatapa courtesy of Delta Beverages.

Pauline Chimedza (21), who was the second princess, walked away with US$200 and a beauty products hamper while the second princess, Salom Mazarira, won US$150. Twenty-year-old Melody Muza was given US$200 for being crowned Miss Personality.

Besides modelling, there were lots of entertainment on the night with Harare's finest rhumba DJ Ben and Dollar Bill rocking the crowd that turned up at the nightclub.

Sandra Mukosa, the organiser of the pageant, said this year's contest was bigger and better than last year.

"We are delighted that this has been our third year and the contest is growing each year. The contestants were all professional models and at least above 18 years old. As you can see the winners have got their prizes right away unlike other pageants where winners wait for long before they get their prizes," she said.

There were several performances including an appearance by rhumba group Girls La Musica as well as music by DJs on rotation.

In the picture, Kabongo (seated centre) is flanked by Miss Personality Melody Muza, second princess Salom Mazarira, Sandra Mukosa, the pageant organiser; and first princess Pauline Chimedza.