Lydia Koto
Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) student Shekinah Mandeya was on Sunday (October 9) crowned Miss Lake October after beating other contestants to the award at Hippo Creek lodge.
The 20 year-old winner could not hide her joy after winning and promised to empower other women in various ways.
“I am happy to be the winner of the Miss Lake October. The crown will help me empower other women through various ways as I have a passion in empowering others,” Mandeya said.
Speaking at the event, Faith Mazana the chief coordinator and organizer of the festival said their main aim of organizing the event was to promote and to showcase the history, culture tradition and increasing public sector participation in the pageant.
Mazana added that the event was meant for the queens to have opportunities to market the tourism industry and also remind other citizens of Masvingo of a rich tourism center.
Young women were encouraged to create opportunities and register so that they could contest in the next pageant in 2023.
“Our main aim of organizing this event is to showcase the history, culture, traditions and increasing public sector participation in the pageant. This is also a platform where the queens can market the tourism industry on the local and international market. I encourage all young women out there to create opportunities and register in the next pageant in 2023,” Mazana said.
GZU Vice Chancellor Professor Rugano Zvobgo who was the guest of honour at the event said he was impressed by the activities that took place at the festival and encouraged the youth especially women to be empowered.
“I am impressed with what I saw here. Young men and women are doing their best and this is a result of empowerment. Youth stage is something that one must celebrate, If you miss the youth stage, it’s like you have missed the bus.
“Young women must be empowered through education which is the key for empowering women. Without education, you are weak and not empowered so women, be educated,” Zvobgo said.
Zvobgo also urged youth to embrace culture since it is part of heritage. He also encouraged the youth to go to school, learn, have self-respect and never to underestimate themselves.
“People must embrace culture because it is part of our heritage and home is the most important source of culture. Never underestimate yourself for the way you speak and walk reflect who you are. So be careful of what you say because once spoken the words are out.
If you are educated you can get yourself a better career and you will be able to challenge the universe. Education without career is useless. Self-respect comes with profession so believe in things you can do for yourself,”Zvobgo said
