Miss Zimbabwe UK reflects on pitfalls of fame

Miss Zimbabwe UK reflects on pitfalls of fame

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By Showbiz Reporter

FOR someone crowned Miss Zimbabwe UK and whisked first-class around the world, sleeping in plush hotels and treated like royalty, you would expect Faith Matambanashe to have enjoyed the past 10 months.

But the beauty queen, who relinquishes her title in August, says it has been far from smooth sailing.

"Don't get me wrong, it has been an enjoyable experience but there is some stuff that comes with it which is not so good," she said in an interview this week.

She added: "I found that people listen to you when previously they would have totally ignored your opinion on anything.

"But you find that everybody wants to know you, you get to hear so many stories about yourself and you say 'wow, when did I do that'?

"People may see me differently today but personally, I just feel I am the same girl I was two years ago."

So intense has been the unwelcome attention, especially from mysterious men, that the 23-year-old beauty ignores calls, particularly from withheld numbers, preferring instead that people leave messages and she returns their calls.

"Hello, I am probably at home just avoiding someone I don't like. Leave a message I will get back to you. If I don't, then its YOU," she says on her mobile phone voice mail recording.

It's something she never imagined she would ever have to do, she admits.

The highlight in a very busy year for Matambanashe -- who raised money for the Harare-based Rainbow Orphanage Care in-between -- was taking part in the Miss Tourism World held late last year.

"It was really big, the most amazing event I was ever part of...being in front of thousands of people was slightly nerve wrecking but absolutely enjoyable."

Matambanashe celebrates her 23rd birthday on Friday, July 13, and will hold a fundraising event on Saturday to raise money for the Rainbow Orphanage Care.

"The Orphanage has benefited from previous charity events that I organised and I want to do something for them before I hand over the Miss Zim crown," she said this week.

The charity event, to be held in Bordon near London, will include a soccer tournament, a braai and party later in the evening.

To support Miss Zimbabwe UK 2006's charity, please turn up at the Woodlands Inn (GU35 0JE) on Saturday, July 14. The event begins at 4pm till late. Call on 07788485449 for more information.

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