Rebecca Muchenje. We had never heard that name until Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2016. The confident 31-year old sashayed onto the stage next to co-presenter Tich Mawoni and poured our swag, sophistication and sass throughout the event – as if she MCs big events everyday for breakfast.
“Who is that?” people kept on asking. We too had to send one of our journalists up to her, after we didn’t quite get her name when it was announced, “Sorry, what’s your name?” he asked her as she prepared to go back on stage after one of the segments.
Tich Mawoni, we all knew from before, so that was not too hard to swallow. Zimbabweans were expecting presenters they were familiar with, people who could hold this ish down like a gonyet on top of an ant. Rebecca was new, but she did just that. Her confidence on stage was impressive. In one evening, Zimbabwe found a new star.
We tracked her down after the show and found out more about her. Who is she? Which planet did she drop from?
You walked onto that stage at Miss Tourism Zimbabwe and held it down like you have been doing this forever. Where did that confidence come from? Have you done this sort of thing before?
Haha, that question gets me everytime. I love engaging with people at any level. From primary school level, I would watch my mom host functions at church and women gatherings and see how she would engage with them and have them laughing. I told myself, “I want to be able to do this.”
I was in SA for seven years furthering my studies and the opportunity to present presented itself in 2008. I was goofing around with the camera at my church and before I knew it, I became TV host of our church TV station, ATV. In 2013 I was back in Zim and took every opportunity for my voice to be heard. Again my church gave me that platform.
But a show of that magnitude was my first.
How was that experience for you, co-hosting Miss Tourism Zimbabwe? It was a big production. How did it feel working with the team from South Africa?
Oh my goodness, I don’t think I have enough words to explain what I felt. I feed on adrenaline and let’s just say I had dessert too.The South Africans work differently from us in Zimbabwe. It’s go big or go home. Mediocre things are not allowed. And we as Zimbabweans are starting to learn that. And it’s a good thing. Time management, being innovative, being creative and remaining composed at the same time. Yaaa that’s hard but doable.
How did you get the gig? When you first got it how did you feel?
I had been working with Miss Tourism Zimbabwe since June and my first job was to interview the patron, Mrs Barbara Mzembi. I could not believe I was interviewing her. I had read articles about her and her grooming and etiquette and wished to meet her and I got better deal.
I was then appointed host for the Miss Tourism reality show and then auditioned to host the main show and the rest you saw. LOL.
Tell us a bit more about Rebecca off stage. Who is she?
She is a loving mother of two, my son who is 9 years and daughter of 3. I’m a Christian, spirit filled and Bible read. I love laughing, it really is medicine. And I’m an adrenaline junky.
I was born in Redcliff and raised in Bulawayo, the city of kings and queens. I still visit there ‘cause my other leg is there… my best friend hahaha. I went to Coghlan primary, Montrose and then Usher High School. My mom figured boarding school would be good for me. I did my A’ level at Elite High School, which is now non-existent because it closed. LOL.
For my tertiary education I studied at Silvana Academy of Natural Health and Beauty in South Africa and qualified in ITEC and CIDESCO. I then continued in SA with various skin care, make-up and physio institutions.
My passion is success. Making it happen and leaving a legacy. I’m always working on something. If it doesn’t work first time, do it again another time.
And your day job?
I’m a qualified somatologist. I studied skin care, body kinetics and make up. I have a mobile therapy business, Angelbella Face & Body. We bring the spa to you. We also do Pamper parties. I’m also a voice over artist and perfected my art at ZiFM – it was awesome.
The happiest day of your life so far?
Hahaha! That would be when I gave birth. I became a mother and I learnt to love differently. Mothers will know what I mean, LOL.
The craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Hmmmm, oh gosh, throw back. I had to pretend I was Nigerian for a guy to leave me alone. I was walking past this guy and he touched me. I hate that, so I had to show a little craziness. I was screamed at him loudly in a Nigerian accent, “Do you know me? You will see!” Next thing he was gone.
As a young mother, what is the one thing you wish most for your children and for Zimbabwe?
I desire to see my children have a better life and upbringing than I had. To see them not afraid to air their views. To be go-getters. And to fear God. For Zimbabwe, it’s to trust ourselves, that we are a great nation. To learn from others how to and how not to. If each Zimbabwean had that mentality it would be different regardless of what is surrounding us and again Zimbabwe should fear God.
