Hungry for Truth, Peace and Justice

Rwanda: $450,000 Spent On Miss EAC Rwandan Chapter 2009

By EABW REPORTER
December 21, 2009

Photo:
Rwandan State Minister for Minerals and Natural Resources, Vincent Karega, stands behind Miss East Africa Rwandan chapter 2009 Cynthia Akazuba seated, Annet Mahoro (left) 1st runner-up and the 2nd runner-up. (Courtesy Photo)


Cleophas Kabasiita, Corporate and Communication Manager of Rwandatel, revealed that it cost $450,000 to organise Miss Rwanda beauty pageant 2009 of which Rwandatel contributed over 75%.

The company, bought a car for the winner at about $40,000 from Rwanda Motors as a grand prize.

“Rwandatel is paying for the car. Rwanda Motors is the supplier. We are the Main sponsors of the event, Francis Egbuson, thecompany’s Chief Commercial Officer clarified.

First and second runners up walked away with prizes worth $10,000, and $5,000, and a holiday trip to South Africa and Kenya.

To exhibit high level of transparency, members of the public voted and their selections accounted for 10% of the scores for the final crown holder who carried the prestigious Miss Rwanda title.

Kabasiita explained why they involved the public: “The idea was to be as transparent as possible. We wanted a right person for the right institution. We don’t want cases where results are fixed.”

They were 17, but three dropped out of the Miss Rwanda contest in the early days citing family issues while another left the camp on medical grounds.

The fallout of the three did not kill the euphoria of the Miss Rwanda contest, after the 17 years’ lull, as several corporate companies partnered with Rwandatel, the main sponsor and organiser of the event to see the function succeed.

posted by Mamadou Kouyate @ 5:40 PM