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 The debate on whether or not our society is polluted with the Western world's "distorted" image of beauty ceases to matter when you meet a lady not only so fine but with a mind and heart to match. Elegant? Indeed so. Chola Lungu is a student, model and Miss University of Namibia 1998. It's refreshing to note though that she's a varsity beauty queen who has had real social responsibilities during her year of reign. Responsibility that takes real strength and lot's of heart to see a smile on the face of some one who is really in need of a breakthrough. Ever cheerful, Miss.Lungu had no qualms about honouring us with an interview. Here it is in her own words.
BHM: Were you born in Zambia? Chola: Yes, I was born in Zambia on the 18th of May1978 at University teaching Hospital in Lusaka. I only left Zambia in 1998 with my mother who was appointed for Government Service. BHM: Do you have any fond memories of Lusaka? Chola: I believe I spent some of the best times of my life at St. Mary's in Lusaka. Oh! The surprise farewell party I was thrown in Lusaka was nice. I'll never forget it! May 1998. BHM: Did you enrol into the University of Namibia soon after that? Chola: I enrolled into UNAM in the third term of 1998 as a visiting student, which meant got to sit in a minimum of four courses but was not required to write exams or tests. In 1999 I went back as a full time student with the intention of majoring in Media Studies and Politics. I also took French out of interest. 
BHM: And then the Miss university of Namibia Pageant? Chola: I had never taken part in any other beauty pageant before. Miss UNAM would be my first. The decision to take part came during a period I was being trained to become a professional model by an agency called Extravaganza. My family and friends also played a part in pushing to enter. BHM: What's the craziest thing you recall happening during the Miss UNam preparations? Chola: We once turned up 30 minutes late for a major meeting with a main sponsor and they withdraw their sponsorship. After the sponsored begged for days they eventually gave us their support. BHM: Were you the first non-Namibian student to have won the Miss University of Namibia crown? Chola: No. I'm the third non-Namibian to have won the title but the first to have won all three titles in the competition. BHM: Unlike most other varsity pageant's, Miss University of Namibia supports a charitable cause during her year of reign. Who or what cause did you choose to support? Chola: Raising money to buy toys for our University Nursery and Day-Care was one of the causes I chose to support during my year. My main project though was raising money for a girl with a heart condition. I sponsored two of the air tickets I won so she and her mum could go to Cape Town for the operation, but we still needed more money for the operation so I become her spokes woman. Sadly she died a week before her operation. As all the arrangements had already been made we transferred all the funds to a young boy whose life was saved! BHM: How true is it that you moved on from the University of Namiba shortly after your reign? Chola: I moved to Rhodes University in South Africa because the Rhodes degree is well recognised. It differs from UNAM in that Rhodes offers more degrees and is more "organised". UNAM is alright but it is still very new and a lot of work needs to be done before it gets to the standards of a University like Rhodes. BHM: How is life in Grahamstown, South Africa? Chola: My schoolwork takes up most of my time, but during my free time I go into town and try on clothes and shoes, sometimes I do buy them! Grahamstown on the other hand is a boring old town, very small and almost dead, although it is very safe and quiet. BHM: How often do you get the chance to hang out with other Zambians? Chola: There are very few Zambians here, only about 10. Most of them are Indian Zambian. Come to think of it, the only other female Zambian is Indian too. 
BHM: How is the modelling going? Chola: I'm not modelling at the moment because my agency does not have branch here. BHM: Have you been asked to appear on any adverts yet? I was asked to be on a condom pack once but declined the offer after much thought. The only major shoots I have done have been for my agency and a couple of television and radio slots for issues mostly concerning today's youth. BHM: What are your current career ambitions? Chola: After university I hope to get a good job in an NGO, but I would also like to start an organisation that helps orphans especially the ones in rural areas that end up living with their grandparents because of the death of their parents. BHM: Do you consider returning to Zambia? Chola: Yes indeed! Home is home. I may leave later on but I'll need to rebond with it for a while. BHM: Finally would consider taking part in the Miss Zambia? Chola: Yes but I don't think I know how to handle not winning! If I had been second princess then I would have been forced to enter more pageants but coming out First the first time doesn't prepare you for taking second place.
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