By CHRISTINE MWAABA –

REIGNING Miss Zambia Golden Jubilee 2014 Michelo Malambo is among the top twelve finalists who have been shortlisted for the Miss Africa 2016 final which is billed for tomorrow at the Lyric Theatre in South Africa.
The twelve contestants chosen have been selected from African countries that had competed for the prestigious crown.
According to organisers of the continental crown, Michelo, who is representing Zambia, is leading the competition with 1,083 votes followed by Angola which is trailing at 934 votes.
The grand finale will be beamed live on Planet, GOtv and DStv channels.
Participating countries will be represented by former and reigning national winners from the respective countries.
These are Miss Zimbabwe Annie Mutandu, Miss Namibia Steffi Wyk, Miss Ghana Rabecca Asamoah, Miss Guinea Mama Aissiata, Miss Nigeria Jane Mbagwe.
Others are Miss Cameroon Nange Chantel, Miss Angola Carisa DE Jesus Guimer, Miss Rwanda Wivine Leya, Miss Lesotho Thotoana, Miss Ethopia Bithia, Miss Burudi Christelle, Miss Uganda Kellen Nakaye and Miss Malawi Veronica Bowezi.
According to Miss Africa media liaison Chris Sanni, the winner of this prestigious continental event is required to advocate various problems facing Africa, such as poverty, malaria and HIV/AIDS.
The winner will also be integrated into Africa month programmes and activities during the commemoration of the Africa Month and Africa Day as Miss Africa.
The prestigious African pageant whose tagline is African pride and unity is aims at empowering young women thereby exposing them to the world by showcasing African diverse culture.
“Its mission is to become a project that grants young women an opportunity to tell African stories from a woman’s perspective,” Sanni said.
He said the public can also follow all the Miss Africa proceedings through social media by simply liking their Facebook page Miss Africa Continent, twitter @missafrica_16 and instagram missafrica 16.
Zambia’s Chisoma and Chola Mutoni Lombe are among designers that will dress the contestants, the others being Lodilson from Ghana and Thembi Esamil from South Africa.
Miss Africa official hosts are Weza Solange and Richard and Lu Kunku.
The event will also have French and Portuguese speaking hosts to accommodate French and Portuguese speaking countries.
South African artistes Nokwazi, Lection and Vukani are expected to entertainment guests at the show.
In order to ensure that the Zambian contender maintains the leading spot, the public showed simply vote for her by following the Miss Africa website link which is www.missafricacontinent.org.