LAST WEEKEND, Anita Kate Umuratwa, was crowned Miss Supranational Rwanda 2020 in a colorful but virtual grand finale event held at Century Park Hotel, Nyarutarama.

Umuratwa replaced Shanita Umunyana who has had the crown since 2019, after overcoming tough challenges from first runner-up Denyse Uwase and Carine Umuganwa who completed the top three.

The 20-year-old, who is doing Information Management at the Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA), shared with The New Times her journey to becoming Miss Supranational Rwanda 2020, her experience and the way forward.

Excerpts:

How can you describe your journey to becoming Miss Supranational 2020?

I just applied online and it sounded much easier for me because it couldn’t interrupt my studies .That’s how I joined Miss Supranational 2020.

But during the contest, it took me a lot more effort than I imagined but here I am today, with the crown.

You contested for Miss Rwanda last year but you didn’t take the crown home. What lessons did you learn from the pageant that made you do better in Miss Supranational Rwanda?

It’s all about being yourself and avoiding doing what others want you to do. Because when you act the way you’re not, there are things you don’t do yet they might be among things that would help you win the crown.

In  the Miss Rwanda, competition I learnt to ‘be myself’. This time round, I managed to be myself, sharp and friendly.

What do you think earned the Miss Supranational Rwanda crown?

Hard word and determination! I think the two were crucial. Plus I am a believer! My hard work, plus God’s support and that of my fans pushed me.

I worked hard for this crown since the beginning, I’ve put a lot of effort into this, I’ve really done my best and, when I sit back, I attribute this crown to hard work.

How was the competition from other contestants like?

Not easy at all. I was so scared at some point and I thought to myself  ‘I failed in Miss Rwanda, what if I go back home empty handed again? How will I face the media and the people?’ I had that fear in me.

I was really afraid of losing again. It was actually one one of my biggest motivations because I refused to give up and I didn’t want to let people think that I am a failure.

In December, the beauty contest was almost cancelled. What came to your mind first when it was suspended?

I asked myself why I involved myself in this competition. I almost gave up but then I thought ‘No, it’s Ok, be patient and don’t react.’ ‘Maybe it’s time to test your patience’.

What project are you going to focus on?

I love kids so much and I always wish to do the best I can to ensure they are happy. I haven’t thought of something to do next but, if you were to ask me right now, I would say that whatever I will do is associated with children.  

Now that you’ve become Miss Supranational Rwanda 2021, what is your next move?

My next target is winning the Miss Supranational crown at the international scene. I want people to recognise Rwanda as a country that produces brilliant young women ready to challenge at the international level.

My predecessors did well in previous editions but I want to bring the crown home.