Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
PAGEANT guru, Sipho Mazibuko, is excited as she seeks to end her 19-year wait to host the Mr and Miss Rural Zimbabwe finals.
The last finals were held in 2007 and won by Gokwe model Nyasha Phiri.
The event was later shelved for years after Mazibuko suffered a mental breakdown.
Now that she is in the right space following rehabilitation, Mazibuko will host the finals of the 2026 edition on September 27, which coincides with World Tourism Day.
“We are almost done with the preliminaries and we will now hold this year’s edition on September 27,” she told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“September 27 is a special day in the world of tourism and beauty, so we have decided to be part of the global celebrations.
“We are going to use the same occasion to launch Mr and Miss Rural Africa, as we want to conquer Africa.”
Mazibuko said they were making remarkable progress as they worked with various stakeholders, including the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, traditional leaders, and other policy makers.
The grooming and etiquette expert said they were also working closely with traditional leaders who have given their approval.
She said she visited the National Arts Council offices and met Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Emily Jesaya, who outlined her vision.
“The (Deputy Minister) has also blessed us to continue with the good work we are doing.
“We even left her our Miss Rural Africa trademark logo as we focus on conquering the continent.
“We are looking forward to selecting representatives from Mashonaland East, West, and Central provinces in July.
“We will then move to Midlands ahead of the national finals set for Harare,” she said.
She added:
“To be honest, my team has exceeded expectations by selecting some of the finest models who are both cultured and intelligent,” Mazibuko said.
She said some finalists, who were selected in Manicaland, were already involved in income-generating programmes in rural communities, while others have become licensed drivers.
“I was blown away by their focus, despite being marginalised rural youths who don’t have access to opportunities as compared to their urban counterparts,” she said.
“We are always in touch with our finalists and winners, assessing the progress they are doing wherever they are.
“We believe in their personal growth and development, which is why we always check on them.”
With all eyes now on the national finals on September 27, Masvingo will be represented by Angeline Taruvanda from Malipti, Chiredzi, and the provincial king, Lovemore Nyanyira of Chivi South.
The pair was selected earlier this year during stiff competition involving contestants from across Masvingo’s rural districts.
Joining the duo at the national finals is Blessing Mpofu from Dete in Matabeleland North.
In the ladies’ categories, Vithikazi Mahlangu from Lupane will be vying for the Miss Rural Zimbabwe crown, along with other provincial finalists.
Macecisi Dube, the Matabeleland North princess, narrowly missed out on the provincial crown despite being the crowd’s favourite.
