Row erupts over Miss Heritage Zimbabwe

A CONTROVERSY has erupted within Zimbabwe's modelling fraternity after Priscilla Kandiado was unveiled as the country's representative for the upcoming Miss Heritage Global finals set for Vietnam in August, bypassing a previously planned national selection process.

Initially, organisers had scheduled the Miss Heritage Global Zimbabwe national finals for June 27 in Harare, with 19 contestants shortlisted for the competition.

The list included Andile Matutu, Kudzai Matutu, Kudzai Grace Tapera, Ruvarashe Sango, Kudzayishe Mwawuka, Shekinah Maganga, Petronella Vongai Kutsoma, Sibusiso Sibanda, Priscilla Kandiado and others.

However, organisers later announced the cancellation of the national contest and confirmed Kandiado as Zimbabwe's official representative.

In a WhatsApp message to contestants, Miss Heritage Global Zimbabwe national director Maynard Chizavare said the decision followed Kandiado's "dedication, discipline and consistency throughout the selection process."

"Following the confirmation of Priscilla Kandiado as the official Miss Heritage Global Zimbabwe representative to Vietnam, we would also like to inform all our valued finalists that there will be no national contest held this year," he said.

"All finalists, who are still interested in being part of the journey will automatically remain semi-finalists for next year's edition."

Chizavare added that contestants would retain opportunities for future participation, despite the cancellation of this year's pageant.

However, the decision has sparked frustration and confusion among some contestants, who claim they were not clearly informed about the cancellation of the competition.

One contestant, speaking on condition of anonymity, said she only learnt of the decision after noticing changes in group communications.

"When people were removed from the WhatsApp group, they thought it was because they hadn't paid money for bootcamp, not knowing a winner had already been selected and the pageant was no longer going ahead," she said.

Another contestant said she had already paid registration fees and made preparations for the competition, only to later be excluded without prior explanation.

"I had already paid a US$25 registration fee only to be removed from the group. Organisers didn't even tell us the pageant was no longer going ahead," she said.

She also alleged that refunds were not being issued, with organisers indicating that funds would be carried forward to next year's edition.

Chizavare maintained that all communication was shared within the official group platform and insisted the process was conducted transparently.

The Miss Heritage Global platform is a cultural and tourism-focused pageant aimed at promoting Zimbabwe's heritage, diversity and tourism potential while empowering young women.