Reigning Miss Tourism Zimbabwe Vanessa Sibanda is a determined woman. After finishing in the top 10 of the national finals in 2007, she refused to throw in the towel and tried a second time last year.

On December 12, she carries the nation’s hopes at the Miss World finals which take place in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Angeline Musasiwa came closest to clinching the crown when she finished fourth in 1994. Last year, Zimbabwe's Cynthia Muvirimi finished in the top 25. With only three Africans having won the crown since the competition’s inception in 1951, Vanessa knows she is fighting the odds. But she's determined.

I always wanted to be a model from a young age and won my first modelling contest when I was in Grade 4 [Miss Kadoma Primary School, 1997].

I am currently studying for a Diploma in Marketing and Public Relations. The Diploma comprises of 10 Modules, which include International Marketing, Public Relations, Sales and Selling and Economics among others.

The programme will equip me with the right marketing skills and also the ability to deal with the public in both the business and social world. Professionally, I am attached with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, where I am playing my role as a Tourism Ambassador promoting as well as marketing Zimbabwe as an ultimate tourist destination to both local and international markets.

Miss World is a massive global pageant that has stood the test of time, so preparing for it has been a wonderful experience for me.

I have been doing deportment, grooming and presentation skills training to enable me to compete with the other girls. I have also been working with several Zimbabwean designers to come up with the best National costume, regalia for the Talent competition and the Evening gown for the final competition.

I believe, we learn new things through other people’s experiences, so I’ve been working with other former Miss Zimbabwe winners who participated at the Miss World and also doing a thorough research of what other countries do, getting the world’s current affairs to keep me abreast with what is taking place the world over.

The pageant’s theme this year is ‘Beauty with a Purpose’, and I have been privileged to work with various children’s charities in Zimbabwe. This has seen me exploring and addressing hidden problems of communities in Zimbabwe.

As a neighbouring country, South Africa has always been my favourite. I am so excited to be in South Africa and really can’t wait to appreciate the best that it can offer. Meeting up with other girls from different nations presents me with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn new things and experiences.

Everything. I believe each and every phase I go through at the Miss World will develop me as an individual and a model in all aspects, be it socially, physically or emotionally.

I mostly look forward to the Miss World Talent, Fashion Top Model, Sports Woman and above all the Beauty with a Purpose element, in which I will be able to showcase as well as appreciate what other contestants has been doing during their reign to save lost and desperate lives.

Yes, I would want them to know that the most important thing is to perform to the very best of their abilities during Miss World, without loosing their identity and above all just being themselves. Let the spirit of love, togetherness and impartiality prevail among us during the camp as well as the finals for beauty comes from within and reflects on the outside.

I have always been a compassionate person, this is the reason why I did not find it hard to undertake charity programmes for the sick, orphaned and less privileged in my country during my reign. It is this quality that will live with me forever and wherever I go. I will radiate a spirit of togetherness, confidence-building, accommodating and above all encouragement despite the fact that we will be competing for the same title.

Doing well or winning the Miss World title for me will be my best dream come true, because I feel the world is at a stage where we need young voices to speak out on how to make the world a peaceful paradise and a better place for the generations to come.

It would give me the platform to source for bigger funds to make a positive difference to children, widows, disabled and underprivileged people the world over. I would like every child, no matter from which continent, to have the right to education and access to water and shelter.

I would also use the opportunity to advocate for women’s rights and fight prejudice.

In terms of my favourite geographical landmark, Zimbabwe has always been the best for it is indulged with several wonders -- from the magnificent Victoria Falls, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins through to the majestic Eastern Highlands.

I certainly cannot live without my phone and computer because they connect me with the world.

I admire my mother because ever since I was young, she has always been a pillar of strength, determined and loving through trying times.

Oprah Winfrey because she has conquered against all odds to become the most influential woman who has improved so many people's lives, encouraged and helped many women to discover themselves.

Apart from being a model, I am also a good dancer. Having realised that I am blessed with a good voice, I am trying my luck in music, and who knows where that will take me?

I am currently working on a promotional song on Zimbabwe, to be released soon. I opted for the promotional song because I want to promote Zimbabwe in a different way. I have seen what other beauty queens did during their reigns, but I believe I can add my contributions, though in a different way.

Yes, I do want to get married and have children of my own once I accomplish things that I set out to do. I am very focused on being a successful businesswoman in the modelling and beauty industry.

You would be slightly surprised because I have what many now see as old-fashioned ideas about marriage. I firmly believe in family values and I feel it’s okay for a woman to be submissive to her husband, and I would want my husband to feel loved and respected.

(Additional reporting Ruth Butaumocho, Herald)