The Sunday Mail
Society Reporter
A US$750 air ticket is all that stands between exciting runway model Nomonde Sigawuke and her dream of representing Zimbabwe in a prestigious international modelling competition.
The 25-year-old Bulawayo-born model was selected to represent the country at the Miss Asia Global beauty pageant, which is set to be held in Penang, Malaysia, in September.
Miss Asia Global is an annual pageant that brings together participants from across the globe.
Apart from uplifting women, it celebrates globalisation.
The multi-talented Nomonde, who is a fashion journalist, blogger, podcaster and writer, said competing at the Miss Asia Global is not only a once-in-a lifetime achievement, but a game-changing experience.
“Of all the competitions, I chose this one because it values all women. Apart from the global appeal, the pageant will definitely help me grow my brand as a model. Taking part in this pageant will change my life,” said Nomonde, who is also studying Film and Theatre Arts.
With the rest of the expenses being taken care of by the organisers of the contest, her task is to raise money to buy the air ticket.
The award-winning model, who was crowned Miss Glamorous 2019, Face of Bulawayo Queen 2019, Miss Career Africa Zimbabwe 2020 and Miss Cosmo World Zimbabwe 2020, is leaving no stone unturned as she desperately tries to make the trip to Malaysia.
“I am keeping my fingers crossed as I await responses from the sponsorship applications that I made.
“I just need the airfare, the rest of the expenses will be taken care of by the organisers.”
The reigning Miss Asia Global Zimbabwe is presently working out daily and practising her walk and answering techniques.
She has enlisted the services of former Miss Tourism Zimbabwe Bulawayo and Face of Cosmopolitan, Natasha Gora, to polish her act.
“Apart from the tremendous support from my family, I am only being nurtured by my sister and friend Natasha Gora, who has travelled and knows what it takes to compete overseas.”
The model started doing the ramps when she was 19.
She added: “Although I am looking forward to winning, being able to compete on its own is a great honour and opportunity.
“I want to experience the Malaysian culture and cuisine and meet and learn from other women who will be coming in from all over the world.”
