MALKIA KASSU NAILS "MISS COMMONWEALTH AFRICA" TITLE PLUS MORE...

Born in Tanzania in 1991, Miss Malkia Kassu, is driven by an inner fire to help contribute something in society. Although she was only four, living in Sweden she managed to enroll in Swahili studies, while keeping on with Swedish and English. She also speaks a bit of Somali and Arabic...

After only three trips to her homeland - she cemented a chief idea. "Last year driving through traffic lights in Dar es Salaam I saw these street children begging. It touched me a lot. I vowed to help do something about it." She launched "Strawberry and Champagne" an entertainment and promotion agency. That was plan number one. Plan number two, participate in Miss Commonwealth pageant. First time any Tanzanian has done it. And you know what? She nailed it. Note the cup and the crown of a winner. She says now she will have more access to charities and fundraising to help bring progress on the continent. 

Here she is seen with two of her happy friends, Andrew Matt and Aisha Mohammed (centre).  Pic by Jay Pedram...

Individual efforts pay. The Tanzanian High Commissioner His Excellency Peter Kallaghe (second from left) congratulate the hard working 22 year old. Others are Ali Sungura, Aisha Mohammed and Second Secretary to the High Commission, Mr Allen Kuzilwa. Pic by Said Surur