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Model determined to bring change in society

by BustopTV

Masvingo based model popularly known as Melanin Black Queen the reigning Miss Masvingo 2020 is determined to create a better a safer environment advocating for the girl child.


Our Bustop TV Correspondent, Sukuoluhle Ndlovu (S.N) caught up with model Cathrine Mashavira (C.N) for an insightful interview on her modelling journey.


S.N: Tell us about yourself?

C.M: I am Cathrine Mashavira also known as “Melanin Black Queen” in social circles. I was born on 20 December 1996 to Solomon Mashavira and Evelyn Kundhlande in Gutu, Zimbabwe. I am the second born in a family of four. I studied at Mucheke High School in Masvingo where l completed my Advanced level. I am a holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies with Midlands State University. I am also the reigning Miss Masvingo and Youth Decide Zimbabwe Regional Coordinator for Masvingo Province. I am also a feminist, human rights activist, cosmetologist in the making and an aspiring Mbira music artist.


S.N: Why modeling?

C.M: When I first ventured into modeling; for me it was all about looking fabulous and having the world to appreciate the whole package which is I, plus the fashion and beauty. Basically these are the things that drew me to this and I always say the crowning of Miss Universe 2015 (Pia Alonzo Wurtzburch from Philippines) was my greatest pull factor into the world of modeling because she completed the vivid picture I had in my mind that this whole thing is about showcasing your elegance, glamour, your being sexy etc and have the world appreciate it.

I then decided to test the waters in 2017 while I was in school at Miss MSU (Midlands State University) Carnival and from then I knew that I had a lot to learn including the fact that modeling especially pageantry in particular is not just about looking pretty but it comes with being intelligent, hardworking, certain responsibilities among other things.

In 2019 that is when I decided to really kick start my career and take modeling as a heartfelt profession. I participated in 3 pageants in 2019 one of which I got my first crown as Miss Entrepreneurship Masvingo 2019.In 2020 I was a finalist contestant at Miss Zimbabwe Grand and towards end of the same year I was crowned Miss Masvingo.

S.N: How is modeling changing your life?

C.N: The benefits that I have noticed so far in modeling are in 5 broad areas which include the social life, professional side of my life, financial, personal life as well as the health related aspects of life. I have got to learn proper etiquette, and I have managed to grasp the concept of creating a culture of understanding so that I can best relate with other people, showing gratitude, showing others my inner beauty and so forth.

On the professional side I have learnt the concept of an interview, learning to put professional documents together as well as public speaking. Financially I have learnt the valuable skill of budgeting, being financially disciplined, and learning business skills and so on. Health wise l have developed in terms of physical health (fitness, nutrition), spiritual health and mental health. On a more personal level am grateful that I have learnt to grow and stand for myself, I have learnt to take responsibility of what am absolutely responsible for, learnt leadership skills, learnt to manage crisis and a whole lot of other things.


S.N: What is it you want to do during your reign as Miss Masvingo and so far which activities have you done for the province as Miss Masvingo? C.M: Well during my reign am going with the flow which is a project (One million pads campaign) that was put in place by the management to assist vulnerable girls and women in our province with sanitary pads. As we are also moving with the theme illustrating the beauty of our Zimbabwean culture, am also educating people on that area. The first educational and charity event we did was at Alpha Cottages in April. We are hoping to give sanitary pads around the province through the end of my reign given that we manage to mobilize as many resources and partnerships.


S.N: Challenges you are facing and words of encouragement to other models out there?

C.M: Just like most professions the modeling industry is not easy going. For recognition you really have to work extra hard and make smart moves, which is not as easy because in most cases your positive energy will be drained. There is exploitation, abuse and we do not really have active boards that can stand for us especially in times of need. A modeling career needs a huge capital base for it to produce results (in terms of financial capital as well as human capital) but these are not easy to come by especially considering the state in which our economy is in.

Most pageants are now being held by organizers who are in for the profits not for the growth of the industry and promotion of models in their profession. Catering for your expenses like wardrobe, travel expenses, boot camp etc is a whole burden which has even stood in the way of many talented girls out there. A number of models are really acting out of desperation just to make it in the modeling world and it’s quite sad.

To models out there no matter which type it is I say value principle over matter. You can never make principled choices if you are constantly depending on sponsors. Seek for proper guidance to avoid cases of abuse. Nothing comes on a silver platter, do not make irrational decisions. Start own projects to fund your endeavors and shun being dependent on anyone.

Invest in learning, attend business forums, and just beware of what you expose yourself to because the way you define success determines who you look up to. Do not be discouraged by anyone and anything including the state of our economy, step by step you will get there. Remember Rome was not built in a day, be patient and continue working hard too.

S.N: What difference do you want to bring in the world of modeling and other modeling pageant you gunning for?

C.M: This year l am not competing in any pageant, am to preparing myself for a national pageant next year. In the modeling world I really want to put roles and purpose first. I would really love to see an environment whereby talent is appreciated without taking advantage of the models. I see a world where models come together to educate and empower communities on various issues affecting our societies for us to build a better nation which is peaceful and developed. Am working on establishing a Trust along those lines, I hope it grows to what I envision.

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