Former Miss Zimbabwe Trust chairperson and modelling guru Vasilliki Babaletakis “Kiki” Divaris has died.
She was 91.

Divaris, who has been at the helm of the Miss Zimbabwe Trust since independence, died yesterday morning in her sleep at Borrowdale Clinic Trauma Centre. She was suffering from pneumonia.

Miss Zimbabwe Trust chairperson Marry Mubaiwa described Divaris as a mother, mentor and loving person.

“Today is a day that changes the dynamics of Miss World Zimbabwe and the Miss Zimbabwe Trust,” said Mubaiwa, who took over the reins from Divaris three years ago.

“This is my tribute to the ‘Queen Maker’, a vivacious woman. She was a great mentor; she did not have a bone in her body that had jealousy.

“Kiki reminded me of the epitome that was Princess Diana and the greatness to give love to make Zimbabwe a better place to live.

“Fly high my angel, you are the most beautiful queen Zimbabwe has ever had.

“Miss World Zimbabwe 2016 will all be about you under the stars in memory of you,” she said.

Former model and founder of Zim Gossip Models Agency Mercy Mushaninga said Divaris was the reason behind the success story of modelling in Zimbabwe.

“She was a mother to a lot of models. She is our heroine. We have lost a great patron in the industry,” said Mushaninga.

Mushaninga said she learnt a lot from the late Divaris, especially on how to identify and nurture models.

Mourners are gathered at 68 Churchhill Avenue in Alexandra Park. She is survived by two sons — Sotirios and Dimitris — two grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Divaris is likely to be buried at the Pioneer Cemetery near Mbare where her husband Anthony was buried in 2010.