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Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
NINE aspiring models from Bulawayo have made it to the Miss World Zimbabwe boot camp after auditions held in the city at the weekend.

The number dropped drastically from last year’s 32 that made it to the boot camp that is pencilled for March 15.

The finals, running under the theme ‘Celebrating the life of our icon Kiki Divaris’, will be held at Borrowdale Brooke Golf course in Harare on April 16.

The nine are Amanda T Nyoni, 22, Zandile Ncube, 23, Lesley Mari, 22, Shilet Kawurai, 21, Rumbidzai Wekwete, 23, Karin Ndlovu, 25, Gaynor Makhulumo, 24 and Eunice Mkhize, 20.

Models who will contest at this year’s Miss World Zimbabwe beauty pageant must prepare to take an oath declaring that they do not have skeletons in their closets.

Miss Zimbabwe Trust spokesperson Tendai Chirau said only 28 models showed up for the auditions and they only chose nine.

“We’re impressed with the quality we got in Bulawayo from the auditions. The numbers were lower than last year maybe because of this year’s requirements of the competition that contestants will be sued if they break the rules,” said Chirau. He said a thorough background check will be conducted on every contestant.

“When the contestants have been chosen for boot camp, they should know that we shall do our own background checks. No stone in their lives will be left uncovered. In the boot camp they aren’t allowed to have cell phones in order for them to be focused on their life there,” said Chirau.

He said they wanted to clean up the modelling industry hence the stringent rules.

“Merry Chiwengwa is resolute in cleaning up the modelling industry that’s riddled with scandals. We were clear with the girls that if someone approaches them and tells them that they should give them sexual favours for success, they should immediately report that person to us,” said Chirau.

He said in line with this year’s theme, ‘Celebrating the life of our icon Kiki Divaris’, a fashion show will be held at the Miss Zimbabwe Trust offices.

“The Miss World Zimbabwe delegates will do a fashion show in honour of Kiki. Some models will have the opportunity to wear some of her outfits. At the same time it’ll be a sashing ceremony on the day,” said Chirau.

Next week the team moves to Harare for the final auditions to look for the last of the 32 Miss World Zimbabwe delegates that will battle it out at the boot camp.