The search is on for the next Miss Rwanda. The auditions kick off this weekend.

Like previous editions, the contest will be organised by Rwanda Inspiration Back up Ltd.

The annual pageant, now in its 7th edition, is themed: "Beauty, Brain and Culture”.

According to the organisers, the requirements are; to be a Rwandan by nationality, not married and without a child. She must be between ages 18-24 years old. Other qualities include, being a secondary school graduate, and ready to stay in Rwanda at least for a period of one year if crowned Miss Rwanda. She must be with a height that is not below 1.7 meters, and weigh between 45-70 kg.

During the auditions, contestants will be allowed to answer questions in any of the offical languages spoken in Rwanda; Kinyarwanda, French, English and Kiswahili.

This year’s beauty contest will kick off with auditions for Northern Province at the La Palme Hotel in Musanze District, then Western Province the following day at Inzozi Hotel, in Rubavu District.

On December 22, the exercise will be held in Southern Province, at Hotel Credo, in Huye District, then to Western Province, and Eastern  Province, at Silent Hill Hotel, in Kayonza District, and wind up in Kigali on December 29, at Hill Top Hotel.

The pre-selection will be held on January 5, 2019, and the grand finale on January 26, when the winner will be crowned.

Joel Rutaganda, one of the pageant organisers, told The New Times on Tuesday, that they are doing their best to make sure this year’s beauty contest becomes a success.

Miss Rwanda 2019 winner will be awarded a brand new car, and will also receive a monthly salary of Rwf800, 000 courtesy of Cogebanque, plus a package of additional prizes.

The winning beauty will replace reigning Miss Rwanda Liliane Iradukunda, who recently took part in the Miss World 2018, held in Sanya, China, that saw Miss Mexico, Vanessa Ponce de Leon, crowned the winner.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw