Faith Ndlovu

Model Royce Gavi is expected to fly the Zimbabwean flag high as he is set to contest at the Mr Tourism Africa, slated for 27 September in Lagos, Nigeria.

Gavi, who is also a fashion designer by profession running his own brand House of Scarlet, which takes pride in dressing some of the country’s top models like the reigning Miss Environment Pauline Marere, said he was excited to be going internationally as a professional model.

“This is my first time to participate at a pageant outside Zimbabwe and I am happy as I feel that my time is now as I prayed for such a moment. I know it’s not easy to represent Zimbabwe on such a big stage but I promise to do my best. I am looking forward to standing for my country and making all my followers proud. I am looking forward to cultural exchange, and learning more about other people’s way of life.

“Being crowned Mr Tourism Africa will be a bonus because my main goal is to be an ambassador who will promote and advertise our local tourism because as Zimbabwe we are blessed with so many tourism destinations and I will encourage those I will engage with to visit the country,” he said.

Gavi became interested in modelling while he was in high school. Despite many people in society dismissing modelling as a hobby and profession for females, Gavi said support from his friends kept him going.

“In order to make my dreams come to reality, I joined modelling to challenge myself , inspire others, and carry dreams of other kids like me in order to inspire them that anything is possible as one can achieve anything as long as they adore it.

“Two of my friends Bhekimpilo Ndlovu and Anele Ndebele helped me realise the dream and I will forever be grateful to them as they financed my first modelling classes at Truth Models Academy.

“I would like to encourage other young people out there to take pride in themselves and continue working hard in realising their goals because magic happens when we refuse to give up,” said Gavi.