Zim model scoops top award
Zandile Zaza Ndlovu
Bulawayo born Mrs Tracey-Anne Buckley-Aggett has made history by clinching the first runner up at the recently held Mrs Universe in Guanzhou China.
Competing in a field of seventy contestants, Tracey-Anne (28) through her heart-wrenching presentation entitled The Domino Effect Of Childhood Domestic Violence, won the hearts of the judges and fellow contestants on Saturday evening.
In her presentation she articulated the importance of having programs that not only assist the children and women subjected to abuse, but to also counsel and work with the abusers in a bid to rehabilitate them .
Through her organisation Chains of Care created together with Joan Dreyer, she has developed a successful program and partnered with social workers and psychologists in a program that has generated immense interest from China and several other competing countries.
With the support of her husband Simon Aggett, Tracey-Anne has in her own personal life overcome adversity having been exposed to abuse in her early years.
In her excitement of making it as a finalist she said it was an honour to represent Zimbabwe and serve as its ambassador.
“When they called my name that I was the first princess, I looked up at the raised national flag. I felt such joy and pride and just wanted everyone there to know how incredible and beautiful my country is and how warm our people are and not the images they see on international news channels,” she said.
Contestants over a seven day period go through a series of intense interviews, touring China’s tourist spots, making commercials for sponsoring companies and then giving presentations on the advocacy and charity work they are involved in in their home countries.
On the day of the finale, they go through four rounds showcasing their cultural dress, mature fashion piece for working mothers, a Chinese Qipao dress and a glamorous evening gown.
Tracey-Anne designed her glamorous evening gown alongside Nadine Designs and partnered with local Bulawayo designer Yvette Ndaba of fashion label Eve-O! for her cultural dress.
Tracey-Anne Buckley Aggett waving after being named first princess at Mrs Universe pic Mrs Universe Ltd
The pageant was won by Olga Torner from Austria with Zimbabwe being the first runner up, followed by Peru, China and the Netherlands in second, third and fourth runners up respectively.
The Mrs Universe Pageant is an international competition that seeks to use beauty for the sake of fighting for human rights.
It is open to women who are either married, divorced or single parents, who have a passion for advocacy and charity work and are successful entrepreneurs.
The pageant ran from August 29 to September 4 in Guanzhou China.
