Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
MEETING and having a photograph taken with President Mnangagwa is not only a special moment but, to some rural models who met him, it’s a life-changing moment.
Two lucky finalists in the Mr and Miss Rural Zimbabwe pageant—King Raphael Nyanyira from Buhera and Matabeleland South Provincial Queen Belle Mpofu —got a seat in the VVIP section and sat near the President during the official opening of ZITF 2026.
The models, who were accompanied by their patrons— Sipho Mazibuko and Petronella Viriri —say they will always cherish these moments.
Nyanyira, 23, could not contain his excitement after receiving VVIP treatment at ZITF 2026.
“I couldn’t believe it that I got a seat close to the President,” Nyanyira said.
“Growing up in the rural areas, I never dreamt of sharing the same platforms with important people such as President Mnangagwa, his deputies, and other key delegates.“My journey began when I performed at the Manicaland finals, which were sponsored by Zanu PF Central Committee member and Presidential Special Investment Advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara.
“He is helping our patron to promote culture and nurture rural talent. I am proud to be part of this contest, it’s a moment I will forever cherish in the years to come.” Nyanyira added: “A lot has changed in my life since the time I was crowned King and I don’t take this triumph lightly.
“To me, this is a huge milestone that I will always cherish for years to come.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by Matabeleland South Provincial Queen, Mpofu.
“It was an honour getting such an opportunity and I will always cherish that moment.”
“As rural models, we are sometimes looked down upon but this pageant has opened new doors for me. I was excited sitting near the VVIPs led by the President and I will always remember ZITF 2026.”
Pageant coordinator Mazibuko has vowed to continue uplifting rural models and to complement Government programmes.
“This Mr and Miss Rural Zimbabwe is now more than a beauty contest but a movement that complements Government projects, including Vision 2030,” she said.
“I have been doing contests for decades and this Mr and Miss Rural brand is one of the platforms we have as pageant organisers.
“We are grateful for the support we have received this year, especially from Presidential Special Investment Advisor Dr Tungwarara, who has rural communities at heart.
“The ball is now in our court to ensure that we do our job properly—selecting and empowering rural models, as well as participating in national programmes.”She added: “There is nothing wrong with complementing the Government.
“In line with the President’s mantra of ‘leaving no one behind,’ we are determined to play our part as models—not only showcasing beauty on the ramp but also promoting our country.”
Mazibuko believes her pageant has emerged as a game-changer in Zimbabwe, since it caters for rural models as well as the marginalised.
The pageant has also been revitalised at a time when the custodians of Zimbabwean culture have been advocating for the restoration of traditional values.This alignment with cultural preservation has further solidified its importance, making Miss Rural Zimbabwe not just a beauty pageant, but a powerful platform for social change and community empowerment.
Miss Rural Zimbabwe has been revived at a time when modelling enthusiasts are calling for more pageants. Zimbabwe has proven to be a hotbed of talented models who have gone on to conquer the world.
Mazibuko is not just creating a platform for beauty, she is fostering a movement that empowers young women, instills pride in their heritage, and promotes community development.
