IF IT had been up to the crowd, Bulawayo beauty Samantha Tshuma would have been crowned Miss Tourism Zimbabwe at the end of the first round of the country’s premier beauty pageant held in Harare on Saturday night.

Samantha had the packed auditorium of the Harare International Conference Centre cheering for her from the very beginning of the evening. Unsurprisingly, the judges agreed with the crowd it seems and so Samantha was crowned Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2010 which earns her a ticket to represent the country at the Miss World Finals. She received her crown from gthe outgoing Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, Vanessa Sibanda.

There were category awards for Harare's Nyaradzo Nhongonhema who won Miss Personality and Bulawayo’s Michelle Gonah who was picked through SMS voting as Miss Face of Zimbabwe.

But the night belonged to Samantha. The tall and graceful 21 year-old beauty from the City of Kings attracted loud cheers each time she took to the ramp and stood out with her poise and confidence.

The high- powered judges’ panel included CEO of Rainbow Tourism Group Chipo Mutasa, CEO of ZBC Holdings Happison Muchechetere, the Vice Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa Hope Sadza, internationally-renowned Sculptor Dominic Benhura and the Director of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Elvas Mari.

The pageant was the hottest ticket in Harare over 4000 people packed into the HICC. People kept on streaming in during the show and for those who came late, it was standing room only.

The crowd was kept entertained by an impressive line-up of urban artists who included Cindy Munyavi, Leonard Mapfumo, Madiz and Stunner. Hosts for the evening were Bridget Gavanga and Tich Mataz.

The event was televised live to the nation via ZBCtv and ended at 0115hrs on Sunday morning. It was followed by an after party featuring performances by Oliver Mtukudzi, Tongai Moyo and Madiz. - zimbojam.com