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It was standing room only last night (30 Dec 2008), at the biggest Miss Tourism Zimbabwe pageant the country has ever seen. A capacity crowd which included officials from the army, Ministers, business tycoons and the usual happy Hararians filled the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) in a sold out pageant that was televised live to the nation and won by Miss Tourism Harare 2008, Vanessa Sibanda. Over four thousand people crammed into the Conference Centre for the much awaited final that has been postponed at least twice. Outside, there was a traffic jam as policemen, overwhelmed by the huge amount of traffic, battled to direct drivers to alternative parking spots after the main parking lot inside the HICC grounds filled up. Some enterprising young men were charging US$5.00 to watch people’s vehicles in the out-of-grounds parking. 
^ The thirty finalists dance to Alexio's "Shaina". So hectic was the traffic situation that even as the main show drew towards an end people were still streaming in, after finally managing to find a place to park. Vanessa Gayle Sibanda (20yrs) beat 29 other finalists from around the country to become Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2008-2009. Her prizes included US$18,000.00 cash, use of a brand new Mercedes Benz for one year, all expenses paid trips to the Miss World and Miss Tourism World pageants next year, a year long contract with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority which will see her representing the country at various national, regional and international events and a long list of other goodies. 
^ The Queen and the Soldiers. Vanessa with members of the Presidential Guard from the Zimbabwe National Army.
First princess was Hapiness Tshuma (20) from Bulawayo and the second princess was Sharon Evelyn Razzle (22) from the Midlands. The contestants voted Cleopatra Ncube (20) of Beitbridge as Miss Personality 2008. Also in the top 5 were Sharon Dube (22) of Bulawayo and Lynn Williams (23) of Kariba, Mashonaland West. Guest of honour for the evening was Mai Sekeramayi, wife of Minister of Defence, Sidney Sekeramayi, who was also in attendance. Other notable guests present were Minister of Tourism, Francis Nhema, Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Lieutenant General Phillip Sibanda, CEO of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Mr Karikoga Kaseke, business magnate Philip Chiyangwa whose company, Pinnacle Properties sponsored the live screening of the event, beauty pageant patron, Kiki Divaris, representatives from ZimboJam (seriously) and many others. 
^ The winners- Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2008. Seated is Vanessa, Behind her (L to R) are 1st Princess Happiness Tshuma, 2nd Princess Sharon Razzle and Miss Personality Cleopatra Ncube. The judges were from a variety of backgrounds and included the first ever Miss Malaika (2001) and former Miss Zimbabwe, Brita Masalethulini. Other judges were renowned sculptor Dominic Benhura, Group Operations Director of Rainbow Tourism Group Mr Louis Chasakara, CEO of Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings Happyson Muchechetere, entrepreneur and clothes designer Marko Machona, Ms Mara Hativagoni, and member of the World Cup 2010 panel Ms Lindiwe Makoni. Entertainment for the night was provided by a thrilling line up of stars who included Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Alexio Kawara and dance group Magesh Tornadoes. Alexio’s performance of his hit song “Shaina” was the highlight of the entertainment line-up during the pageant. He was asked to do an encore, and he happily obliged, much to the delight of screaming fans. 
^ Meet Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2008-2009. Zimbabwe continues to pull new ones out of the hat all the time. Things you won’t see anywhere else in the world. Last night, the novelty was having members of the Zimbabwe National Army assist- in a very unique way- by escorting the winners across the stage. After the pageant, which ended at a quarter past midnight, Kanda Bongo Man, Tongai Moyo and Alick Macheso thrilled the packed auditorium way into the wee hours of the morning.
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The winners are all preety for this year,vanessa just hope u will get all the
well well she has done it again to all those who went to QE u know wht im
