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Showbiz Reporter
One of the Carnival Queen Zimbabwe finalists, Jessica Joubert, 17, who was meant to represent Bulawayo at the finale, has pulled out, a month before the contest which takes place at the Longcheng Plaza in Harare on May 16.
Quizzed on why she had pulled out, Joubert’s mother Jill, said her daughter was too young and needed to focus on her education.
“Unfortunately Jessica will no longer be contesting as she needs to focus on her education as she is preparing to do her “A” level exams,” said Jill.

Asked if Jessica, who is signed to Studio 13 modeling agency, was comfortable with the decision made by her mother, Jill said her daughter had been looking forward to representing Bulawayo but had to shelve those plans.

“These young girls have a lot going on in their lives and it’s important for them to prioritise what’s important. Jessica has a lot on her plate as she is also preparing for a Polocrosse tournament,” said her mother.

This leaves three girls Bathabile Dhlamini (22), Marizane Murashiki (20) and Sibonginkosi Ncube (18) from Bulawayo in the running for Dananai Chipunza’s crown. Other girls from the country’s different provinces also vying for the title include Fungai Ncube (19), Vanessa Mbedzi (23), Blessing Makumene (22), Heather Masimba (19), Chenai Chaendera (18), Chipo Dekeza (20), Dionne White (21), Maita Kainga (20), Sibonginkosi Hove (22), Tricia Dirwai (19), Phalen Mupfurire (23), Praise Chigama (23), Alvina P Sibanda (23), Marleen Nyenya (21), Yvonne Nyamutsamba (20), Samantha T Ranga (22), Sibongile Bero (23), and Gamuchirai Kujeke (18).

Meanwhile, Carnival Queen Zimbabwe preparations are at an advanced stage with the models expected for boot camp at the Rainbow Towers hotel in Harare on May 8 — a week before the event. Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi’s wife, Barbara, has been appointed patron of the Carnival Queen contest while modelling guru, Mercy “Catwalk” Mushaninga — ZimGossip Models director, will be responsible for organising the event. Mushaninga said preparations were going well and promised that the event would be different.

For being crowned Carnival Queen, the winner will receive a vehicle and money as part of her prizes. Last year, Chipunza drove off in a Mercedes Benz with prize money of $20,000 among other prizes.