UMJINDI – An upmarket entertainment establishment, Taribo, played host to the Top 12 Crowning Miss Mpumalanga finalists, and what an experience they had learning about the history of this small town and its rich heritage.
According to owner, Ms Stella Mabunda, “It was such a pleasure playing host to these young ladies. Much as they’d come for a car-wash project at my place on the day, I felt I should play the worthy host by taking them on a tour of our world heritage site, the Makhonjwa Mountains.
“We also visited the local tourism office where they got a brief history of the town, then we drove to the summit of the mountains. It was such fun because as finalists, they should know things about this province.
“It wasn’t worth their while coming here and leaving with no knowledge about us. This is my task at Taribo as normally guests from afar, I take them on a brief tour, then return to relax at Taribo to food and refreshments and enjoy a good view of the township from our establishment,” explained Mabunda.
Her words were echoed by Mzimari Productions’ CEO, Ms Gugu Nyarenda who said, “This was inspirational for the girls. Most of them are from far and know little about this province, especially the Lowveld.
“Most of the time during auditions, most girls cannot articulate anything about Mpumalanga in terms of tourism and heritage sites. This will be the nature of operations going forward because as organisers, we also need to provide empowerment of some sort.
“On Friday they were at the State of the Province Address (SOPA), then had dinner with the premier on the same day, then this tour at Taribo. It’s actually great, I pat myself on the back and owners of Taribo made my day,” she said excitedly.
The clock is now ticking closer to the finals of Crowning Miss Mpumalanga 2015 on April 11.
The girls can’t wait to strut their stuff before the judges and audience on the night.
This will be the fifth anniversary of Mzimari Productions’ hosting of the beauty pageant.
This year’s event promises to be the best ever staged on local shores.
Nyarenda said, “This year is very special for us as organisers and for our principal sponsors, the Mpumalanga Gambling Board who have been instrumental for the success the pageant has attained over the years.
“I advise everyone not to grapple for the tickets, because it will be an amazing show that will leave an indelible mark in their minds. Five years is no mean feat, it has been through hard work, dedication and trust in each other, together with our sponsors,” she said.
Brace yourselves to meeting the past four queens in Mpumi Lephoko (2011), Lungile Libambo (2012), Ntandoyenkosi Kunene (2013) and current queen, Natsha Dos Santos.
There will also be bevy of entertainment in store. Watch this space.
