Zimbabwean runner up in Top Model Of The World Pageant 2011

ZIMBABWEAN beauty, Vanessa Sibanda made history at the Top Model Of The World Pageant 2011 when she was announced as second runner up. The hugely contested beauty competition was held at the Maritim Hotel in the Island of Usedom in Germany.

Vanessa's mentor, Brenda Mulenga issued a statement saying, "There were  44 girls vying for the top model title. Africa was represented by Algeria, Ghana, Zambia and Zimbabwe."

"After all the categories had been done that is swim wear and evening wear, it was time for the Top 15.

"Top 15 were Romania, Poland, Spain, Honduras, Zimbabwe, El Salvadore, India, Algeria, Canada, San Andres Island, Ukraine, Brazil, Colombia, China and Baltic Sea."

Zambia and Zimbabwe were promoted by the charity 'Mumba Children's project' that stage Miss Malaika UK. The charity is run by Mulenga.

Under the Special awards contest, the Best Body award went to Brazil, the Most Photogenic award went to Canada and the Best Evening Gown award went to Poland.

The fop five models were selected and Vanessa made history by being one of them, together with beauties from Algeria, Romania, Baltic Sea and Poland.

Mulenga says it was the first time two African countries were placed in this competition since it started in 1993 in Miami, and it was the first time Zimbabwe had reached the Top Five.

"Further special awards were given to India, Miss Friendship went to bolivia and all the contestants on stage cheered for Bolivia, Miss Global Award went to Brazil while Miss Queen of Europe went to Ukraine.

"Finally the Top three were announced and Vanessa shone again by being selected as Second Runner Up. The First Runner Up went to Baltic Sea and the ultimate winner was Romania's Loredana Salanta."

Vanessa is a former Miss Tourism Zimbabwe. She is also a singer and is set to release her debut album this year, recorded in South Africa. She also speaks fluent French.
 
The Mumba Children's Project has supported African girls, in general, and Zimbabwean girls, in particular, for over five years.

Under the stewardship of Mulenga, the charity started promoting African girls at this competition since 2006 when Clementine Mbazo represented Zimbabwe in China, followed by Ropafadzai Garise in Hughada Egypt in  2007.

Former Miss Zimbabwe Cynthia Muvirimi represented Zimbabwe in the TMOTW pageant and was placed in the Top 15. Sonia Bott prepresented the country again in Germany.

Mulenga said the road has been tough but Zimbabwe "now finally has an ultimate winner, Vanessa Sibanda".

"The Top Model of the World also stages Miss Intercontinental and the Mumba Children's project own the rights for Zimbabwe and Zambia in that contest," said Mulenga.

She added that Vanessa's success should inspire other aspiring beauties from the African continent to enter international pageants.

According to Mulenga, "While Africa was placed in the Top 15 and ultimately in the Top Five awards, we still need to upscale our standards in Africa.

"We have potential girls that can go all the way and win the competition.

"It is of importance to note that we need good designers in Africa and good photographers as photographs and designers' dresses add sparkle, quality and value  to these girls competing at an international level.

"Lastly, we need sponsors to promote Africa this is an industry that catapults the country to a higher level and attract tourism to our rich wild life, fauna and flora and natural tourist features like the falls that Africa posseses."

Mulenga also feels that "we ... need to bring these competitions to Africa so we can show case our beautiful Africa."