The government should consider giving a salary to Miss Rwanda, Aurore Mutesi Kayibanda, journalists said on Thursday. This was during a news conference organised to conclude this year`s Miss Rwanda event.

Miss Rwanda 2012 Aurore Mutesi Kayibanda. The New Times

“Just like any other ambassador, giving Miss Rwanda a monthly pay will not only enable effective implementation of her activities to interest other Rwandans, but it will also create awareness for the public to understand the need of having a leader in her category,” said Jean Claude Ndayishimiye, a journalist working with Authentic Radio.

He explained that unless there was a creative way of educating the population about the need to have a Miss Rwanda, the public, especially in the rural areas, would remain green about the whole issue.

Other journalists who spoke to The New Times shortly after the press conference supported the idea.

“At the end of the year, we will ask what she has done but how much do you expect from a person who may not even have the capacity to fuel the car she was given as winner?” asked another journalist.

Reacting  to the concern, the Minister of Sports and Culture, Protais Mitali, said it is not possible for Miss Rwanda to have a salary presently.

“This should teach us and the general public to engage in voluntary work just like others who volunteer for the country`s development,” Mitali said.

He even called on giant business operators like telecom companies in the country to utilise the holder of the crown saying she is an icon that can easily promote businesses in the country and beyond.

The minister also used the conference to affirm that his ministry will make sure the Miss Rwanda event is an annual occurrence.

By Susan Babijja, The New Times