Zimbabwe model scoops 3 continental awards

Miss Universities Africa Zimbabwe Ntokozo Sithole gave the country something to smile about when she scooped three awards at the continental pageant held in Edo State in Nigeria. The third-year University of Zimbabwe student was among models from 41 African countries that took part in the event.

Ntokozo was picked as the most determined queen and most well-behaved queen in addition to being honoured for the best poise during the boot camp and pageant.

In an interview with The Herald, Ntokozo said she learnt a lot before and after the pageant.

"I learnt that Africa is rich in art and has got a big inner side on how African youths dress in a modest way that does not expose the body, show the skin and looking good at the same time. I am happy that I made my country proud and had the chance to show what comes out of Zimbabwe," Ntokozo said.

Ntokozo said the representatives from other countries were easily identified by their language and dress code.

"I encourage people to invest more in dressing that can tell that one is a Zimbabwean. We easily identified people from their dressing and these included those from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Swaziland among other countries."

"They were not embarrassed with their language and all that mattered to them was what you bring to the African table. I enjoyed the food such as plantain from Nigeria which is fried banana," Ntokozo said.

She said she had the opportunity to introduce some Shona words in the pageant theme song.