The beauty queen says the president is one of her role models and she is willing to meet him in a professional discussion that would add weight to the great social responsibility task that she carries as Miss Zimbabwe.
‘The President is my role model. I admire his firmness and that has kept me focused,” she said.
“My parents criticised me for choosing a performing arts course at school as they wanted me to study accounting but like the President, I soldiered on and did what I felt was good for me and what my heart desired.
“That persistence has finally paid off.”
The catwalk queen said she had taken her time and worked hard for the crown.
She blasted models that go out of their way to solicit for crowns.
“I do not believe in people who like to get things on a silver plate.
“I believe in working hard for everything and this is evidenced by the three titles I received. They were all rewards for my hard work.”
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On the night that she was crowned Miss Zimbabwe, Malaika was also voted Miss Top Model and Miss Photogenic.
“I find it degrading for models to sleep around with pageant organisers, judges or sponsors in order get any crown.
“I am not accusing anyone in particular but we know that such things happen worldwide.”
Malaika admitted that the other Miss Zimbabwe finalists were fairly competitive in different ways including their looks, height and intelligence.
One of her major aims at the beginning of her reign is to expand her water and sanitation project which she started working on in December last year after being crowned Miss Harare.
According to her, if all goes according toplan, she will expand the project to benefit other cities in the country.
Malaika started modelling in 2009 and has not looked back ever since.
She has clinched various crowns including Diva Runway, Miss Southern Africa and Miss Harare.
Asked how she would handle the fame, she said she would take her time and ensure that she does not get carried away.
“The key to every successful leader is humility and passion. I want to be able to listen and humble myself so as to connect better with the people of Zimbabwe,” Mushandu said.
The beauty seems to be so attached to modelling as she has no other hobbies besides modelling.
“During my free time, I model and think of how to utilise my reign,” she said.
Malaika says she has suspended her studies until she finishes her reign.
She was supposed to go to Cape Town for three years to study for a Performing Arts and Media degree.
She said she hopes to develop the advertising industry after completing her course as she felt the industry would perform better with her input.
