On Wednesday, Miss Rwanda’s official Twitter page released a statement that Meghan Nimwiza, who has been the spokesperson of the pageant since May 2020, parted ways with the organisation.

Unconfirmed reports had claimed that Nimwiza, who was also Miss Rwanda 2019, had left after disagreeing with the pageant’s administrators, a claim that was refuted by Dieudonne Ishimwe of Rwanda Inspiration Backup, the pageant’s organiser.

Nimwiza left after an amicable agreement when she got another offer from a corporate company. In his own words, Ishimwe said the outgoing spokesperson of Miss Rwanda had done a great job during her tenure.

"As Communications Director of Miss Rwanda Organisation, which organises and manages the annual beauty contest, Meghan Nimwiza helped to explain to Rwandans and the world more about the goals and objectives of the Miss Rwanda.

"As a spokesperson, Nimwiza implemented and enforced the Miss Rwanda impact policy. She also inspired and motivated so many young girls and women to chase their dreams, and that is evident through the turn-up during auditions in recent years,” Ishimwe said, applauding her for the service.

He added that although she is no longer the spokesperson of the Miss Rwanda organisation, she will continue to do her duties as a former beauty queen.

"As Miss Rwanda organisation, we wish Meghan good luck at her new job and, may this venture bring success to her,” he said, adding that an amicable agreement for her to take up the new position she got was reached.

Face of the pageant

As a former beauty queen herself, Nimwiza took over as the spokesperson at the time when Miss Rwanda was under scrutiny by the general public and she signalled some new changes in regard to how people saw and perceived the pageant.

As a former beauty queen, Nimwiza took over as the spokesperson at the time when Miss Rwanda was under scrutiny by the general public. Photo/Net

"She became the face of Miss Rwanda and with her at the forefront, the public seemed to give her the trust to be the one to speak for the pageant, rather than seeing a man speak for a contest that is exclusively for girls,” a showbiz journalist noted.

In her role as the spokesperson, Nimwiza availed herself to the media whenever needed and she responded with precise and measured answers. In other cases, she answered with a tough voice whenever unreasonable questions were thrown at her.

As a national pageant that comes under heavy public scrutiny every year, understandably due to the emotions Miss Rwanda stirs, Nimwiza proved that she can act with grace amidst a storm, tackling every issue as it came.

Speaking for an event like Miss Rwanda that divides opinion not just in the country but also abroad, Nimwiza had to be firm in a position where every word she said was scrutinised. Her eloquence and measured character ensured that she executed her duties perfectly well.

As she leaves, Nimwiza, who is joining the sales and marketing department of cement manufacturer, Prime Cement, says her heart is full, having added her effort in driving Miss Rwanda where it is today.

"As I leave Miss Rwanda, my heart is really full; full of gratitude mostly, my time with them as their communications director has come to an end and I must say I’ve learnt the most from them, made friends and a forever family in them.

"I believe I’ve done my job well and I’ve played my part in the development of the company. I will continue to contribute to the company in different ways and I wish them continued success,” the former beauty queen tells The New Times.

It is not yet clear who will take over from the 24-year-old communications specialist, but the pageant will never be the same without her at the forefront.

Under her tenure, major reforms, including the age of participation, were implemented to make Miss Rwanda more inclusive.