By Jimmy Chazama:
Twenty-two-year-old Shakira Clementine Phillimon from Rwanda on Saturday made history when she was crowned Miss Culture Dzaleka during the inaugural event held in There is Hope Hall at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa District.
Phillimon outclassed five other contestants and won the hearts of the judges with her exceptional skills to claim the crown.
As the queen, the Rwandan has earned a scholarship to an undisclosed university, which she hopes to use to encourage children to stay in school.
“I am excited and committed to making a positive impact,” she said.
Chairperson for the judging panel Malumbo Mtonga, who is also Miss Culture Malawi 2021, said all the contestants put up brave performances but Phillimon stood out.
“She had an exceptional ability to fulfill the role, and she deserves to be recognised,” Mtonga said.
Apart from Mtonga, the other judges included Thokozani Kuwali, founder of Miss Malawi Cape Town, and Zahir Elias, who serves as the National Director of Miss Culture Malawi.
Furaha Marie from Burundi (22) and Monica Christina (19) from Democratic Republic of Congo were crowned first and second princess, respectively.
A collaboration between Dzaleka Youth Organisation, Miss Culture Malawi and Lush Africa Foundation, the event aims to celebrate cultural diversity.
“Miss Culture Dzaleka 2024 is there to celebrate the vibrant cultural diversity within our community and empower young women to be ambassadors of positive change,” Director and founder of Dzaleka Youth Organisation, Allain Bitijula, said.
The event was spiced up by performances which included DJ Ba, Rwanda Traditional Dance, Vankson, Infinity Kids Dance Crew and Poet First Born.
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