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From Melissa Mpofu in Harare
Models who have excelled over the past 35 years were honoured at the weekend at the inaugural Zimbabwe Models Awards held at the Crowne Plaza Monomotapa Hotel in Harare.

Shirley Nyanyiwa, the first black person to win the Miss Zimbabwe pageant after Independence in 1980 was awarded Best Model of the 80s. She paid tribute to pioneers of modelling in Zimbabwe including President Robert Mugabe.

“I want to pay tribute to the President as he brought this (modelling in Zimbabwe) as well as people who were pioneers in the fashion and modelling industry like Kiki Divaris, Jocelyn Chiwenga and Michael Jacobsen among many others. These were great pioneers as they were strong people,” Nyanyiwa said.

“It was a difficult industry and still is, but they fought to put it where it is today. I want to urge the new generation to stay focused and keep putting the modelling industry on the map.”

Doing it for Bulawayo was South Africa-based male model, Oliver Keith who was awarded Best Promotional model while Tholakele Dlamini, who has cat-walked on various international stages, scooped the Best Fashion model award. Top modelling agency, Fingers Academy which has groomed several Miss Zimbabwe queens including Oslie Muringai, Samantha Tshuma and Thabisile Dube earned the Best Modelling Agency award, beating Harare’s Model Management.

South Africa-based model, former Miss Zimbabwe Vanessa Sibanda, was awarded Most Talented model while Best Fitness model (male) and Best International model (male) awards went to Melgin Tafirenyika. Versatile Tafirenyika, a filmmaker and face of DStv’s Africa Magic said his awards were fruits of hard work.

“When you see me on commercial adverts, know that there’re over 200 people who’ll have auditioned for that job. In my career I’ve been to more than 400 auditions. Thank you to all who’ve supported me,” Tafirenyika said.

The Miss Zimbabwe pageant received two awards for Best Pageant of all time and Best Pageant. Receiving the awards, Miss Zimbabwe Trust patron, Divaris said she was glad to see the local industry grow, promising that the Miss Zimbabwe brand would continue growing.

Nigeria-based Star Gist presenter and top model, Vimbai Mutinhiri was awarded Best Promotional Model while the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority – organisers of the Carnival Queen contest who were once responsible for Miss Zimbabwe were named the Best Pageant organisers. Receiving their award, ZTA events manager, Michelle Makanza said: “We’d like to thank everyone who’s supported our events and we’ll try to continue to give the best events.”

Kid models as well as teenagers were also honoured with 2014 Miss Harare Junior – Yolanda Chimbarami scooping three awards for Best Pageant Teen Model, Most Outstanding Teen Charity Project and Best Commercial Teen Model.

Vanessa Sibanda’s niece, Megan Matsika was named Most Outstanding, Best Kid Model (6-12years). She dedicated her award to Sibanda who she said inspired her.

Entertainment was provided by gospel musician – Mudiwa and Sniper with an after party held at Maestro Restaurant.

Organised by ZimGossip Models director, Mercy ‘Catwalk’ Mushaninga, the awards ceremony was well attended by government officials, fashion gurus, various corporates, former models and up-and-coming ones.