Kumbukani, 25, warmed the crowd with her confident walk on the ramp, winning over a judging panel which included Big Brother star and socialite Makosi Musambasi.

Another Zimbabwean, Rumbi Chipato, was first princess while the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Norah Thimuna was second princess.

The event, being held for the first time, was hosted by the effervescent former Radio 3 DJ Kevin Ncube and Zimbabwe’s representative at the 2009 Miss Intercontinental pageant, Ashleigh Cloete.

Things reached a boil at the well-attended show at the Britannia Hotel during a question and answer segment between the judges and the contestants.

London-based fashion and design student Caroline was up first, taking a question on what she would change in Zimbabwe right now. As the crowd screamed ‘President’, Caroline kept her counsel and said she would reform the way orphanages are managed.

One contestant, Ruth Nikki Chinomona, running strong in the competition, rubbed the judges the wrong way and probably upset her chances when she passed over a question on climate change, declaring: “I don’t know anything about climate change.”

Beauty queens ... Miss KLM Valentine 2010 Caroline flanked by runners up Norah (left) and Rumbi

The nine contestants were judged in Africa Wear, Swim Wear, Evening Wear and the Question and Answer session with judges who also included New Zimbabwe.com editor Mduduzi Mathuthu, former Radio 2 DJ Ezra Tshisa Sibanda, Dandaro TV’s Brian Zulu and former Miss Highlanders Olga Devos.

Caroline said after her win: “I was nervous because I was first out in everything, including the questions. No-one wanted to step out first.”

The pageant is the brainchild of business partners Kholiwe Mpala, Londani Mpofu and Mkhululi Mpofu through their company KLM Productions.

Strange bedfellows ... Makosi Musambasi with pageant host Kevin Ncube

Winner ... The stunning Caroline Kumbukani after being crowned the KLM Miss Valentine 2010