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Nonhlanhla Dube

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
What Zimbabwe will witness at the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe (MTZ) finals next month will be breathtaking, beyond the normal, internationally competitive and phenomenal, organisers of the pageant have said.

This is because South Africa-based Zimbabwean businessman, Justice Maphosa — the brains behind the acclaimed Gwanda Gospel festival is the main sponsor of the inaugural pageant scheduled for November 25 at the Harare International Conference  Centre.

From successfully hosting the gospel jamboree which had a typical Durban July setup and attracted top SA gospel acts, Maphosa through his Big Time Strategic Group and SA Zim Business Connection will be taking the top of the range stage and equipment — similar to that used in Gwanda — to Harare to give the pageant the glitz and glam it deserves.

Maphosa was unveiled as the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe main sponsor at a colourful ceremony held at an upmarket club in the capital on Tuesday.

MTZ spokesperson Alson Darikayi said the partnership with Maphosa promised to deliver a first for Zimbabwe, a truly unforgettable experience.

“We’ve sworn an oath that we’ll not settle for the usual, sub standard or mediocre. We want to set a new standard, elevate and celebrate the value of the girl in world class style,” said Darikayi.

“That’s why through the partnership, a whole technical team from South Africa will work on the stage design, lighting, sound, fireworks, video production for live coverage and multimedia for the event to make it unforgettable.”

He said apart from making MTZ finals a world class event, they wanted the prizes to be worthwhile to the winners.

Their partnership with Maphosa will also see top business people from South Africa travelling to Harare to attend a business dinner gala ahead of the pageant finale. The gala slated for November 24 is meant to raise funds for the models.

“As part of the deal, the anchor sponsor has also confirmed that he’ll fly in more than 150 business guests who are coming for both the gala dinner and the final.

“The sponsorship deal covers the pre-final costs which include funding for the auditions, reality show, marketing and publicity, cash prizes and branded vehicle for the queen,” said Darikayi.

In addition, Maphosa will pay for 100 tickets for high school students in order to afford them an opportunity to witness the country’s tourism ambassador being crowned. On entertainment, organisers are hoping to bring in two South African acts.

“As part of the sponsorship package, Big Time Strategic Group in partnership with the SA Zim Business Connection will also bring in two very big kwaito and house artistes who’ll be joined by local acts,” said Darikayi.

@bonganinkunzi