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opinion as to who and what constitutes “beauty”.
Suffice to say, there are a number of differentials in defining this ideal, many of which cannot be agreed upon among people.
Yet one can argue that the person who coined that statement in question probably forgot the flip side of beauty – ugliness.
In all fairness, the same rule could be applied to the not-so-fair products of nature, the ones whose faces could easily send children scampering for cover under a pillow.
This could be the reason why the hitherto unheralded idea is gaining currency, in its grotesqueness and guess what? In yonder Beitbridge of all places.
All is set for this year’s edition of the “Mr Ugly” contest with a total of 15 men from across the country expected to take part.
The modelling contest is scheduled to take place next month at Pagomo Heights Leisure Centre in Beitbridge.
The contest – now in its third year – previously attracted an average of 30 contestants who volunteered to take part in the Zimbabwe’s ugliest man pageant.
Show organiser Lovemore Chonzi of Aerowise Entertainment said preparations had gathered momentum adding that this year’s edition would be unique from the previous two events.
He said they were going to hold road shows to lure contestants from all parts of Beitbridge district.
Chonzi added that so far six contestants – two from Bulawayo, two from Masvingo, one from Kwekwe and the other one from Zaka – had since confirmed their participation.
He said entry was free and they were looking at men who were very confident about their ugly looks.
“Basically the competition is meant for people to have fun and celebrate who they are just like any other contest in the world.
“We are holding another contest this year banking on the success of the last two editions and we are working towards making the contest a national event.
“At the moment six contestants from across the country have confirmed their participation and we will hold roadshows in all parts of Beitbridge district to select others. The date for the show will be announced soon as we are still waiting for some dignitaries from Bulawayo and Harare to confirm their attendance.
“The pageant will be unique this time around and we will have four categories – casual, smart casual, safari and sports.
“We have also got enough sponsorship and the prize money this year will be much higher and we are calling on those interested to get in touch with us,” he said.
Chonzi said the roadshows were earmarked for Chaswingo, Lutumba, Tshapfuche, Matshiloni, Joko, Bishopstone Estate and River Ranch Mine.
Last year’s winner, Elmas Moses, popularly known as VaChiganda, walked away with R1 500, while the first prince got R1 200 and the second prince received R1 000 cash. Chonzi said they were still working towards making the pageant a national event with a number of contests already been lined up for other provinces to choose those who will battle it out for the national crown in Harare.