My name is Vuyiswa Tonono, I am 20-years-old and I am currently studying for a degree in Social and Economic History at the University of Malawi Chancellor College.

Why are you competing for Miss Africa Calabar 2020?
The reason why I’m contesting for Miss Africa Calabar 2020 is because of the theme of humanity. It aligns with my goal of taking part in ending violence in Africa. This was inspired by a personal experience where I was in a life-threatening situation: a man threatened to kill me with his gun.
Statistics have shown that gender-based violence has increased in Africa for example many girls in my country girls have fallen pregnant because of violence resulting in many dreams that could have helped develop Africa is at stake. I do however believe that through solidarity and unity we can end violence.

What solution would you offer for the challenges Africa is facing in terms of the COVID 19 pandemic and other health, governance, and environmental issues?
Africa is facing a number of problems and one of them is misconception and misinformation about the virus. This is causing it to be spread more and I would advise that organizations should be formed to help people all over Africa to understand the causes of the virus and how it can be prevented. Secondly, the misconception and misinformation spread across Africa have Caused the number of teenage pregnancies to increase. The lockdown made a lot of girls drop out of school because of the misconception that the coronavirus will never end. In this way, we are losing future leaders who can help Africa develop. I this regard, I would suggest that girls should be advised on how important school is and they should be encouraged that this pandemic shall end.

What would you do with the prize money should you win and what project would you take on to impact Africa at large?
Assuming I become a queen, I would use the crown to curb down some of the problems the virus has caused by removing misinformation that increases the spread of the virus. I would create a safe space for girls to voice out different problems not only in my country but the whole of Africa. I would also introduce clubs in schools in which school children and the youth would be taught about our culture and I would incorporate the indigenous ideas our ancestors used to conserve the environment such as storytelling. In this way, we can break the chain of environmental degradation from the younger generation.