Miss Rhodesia


Miss Rhodesia, also known as Miss Coca-Cola Rhodesia, was the national beauty pageant of Rhodesia and its antecedents. It debuted in Miss World in 1959, but was not allowed to participate after 1965, when Rhodesia declared independence from the United Kingdom under a white minority government. In 1980, when Rhodesia transitioned to a majority democracy and became Zimbabwe, Miss Rhodesia was renamed Miss Zimbabwe.

History

Miss Rhodesia was established as Miss Rhodesia and Nyasaland in 1959, as an all-white beauty pageant. The winner debuted at Miss World 1959, with Vivien Lentin placing as a semifinalist. In 1960, Jenny Lee Scott appeared at Miss World. In 1961, there were two "Miss Rhodesias," with Angela Moorcroft competed at Miss World representing Rhodesia and Nyasaland, and Jonee Sierra representing Southern Rhodesia at Miss Universe. In 1965, Lesley Bunting represented Rhodesia at Miss World 1965, just days after the country declared independence from the United Kingdom. Despite this, Bunting was still able to participate, and she was a Top 7 Finalist that year.
After 1965, Miss Rhodesia was no longer allowed to participate in Miss World, due to Rhodesia's political situation. Despite this, in 1972 the English-born Miss Rhodesia attempted to travel to Britain to compete in Miss World, but was barred entry, despite her British citizenship. Four years later, when Miss Rhodesia Jane Bird flew to London and attempted to participate in Miss World 1976, she was prevented by the organization. In 1980, when Rhodesia reverted to a British colony and transitioned to majority black rule as Zimbabwe, Miss Rhodesia ended and was succeeded by Miss Zimbabwe

List of titleholders

Helen Elliott and Myra Fowler held the Miss Rhodesia title, but the sources do not include the year.