Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Youth Interactive Writer
FOR many children growing up in Zimbabwe’s rural communities, exposure to career opportunities is limited.
Their role models are often confined to teachers, nurses, soldiers and agricultural extension officers—the few professionals they regularly encounter.
As a result, many dream within the boundaries of what they see.
That was the reality for 23-year-old Nomatter Silebele Mpofu from Filabusi. An academically gifted learner, she dreamt of becoming either a lawyer or a social worker. However, despite excelling at A-Level, financial constraints shattered her hopes of pursuing a university education.
Belle, as she is popularly known in pageantry circles, obtained an impressive 13 points after passing four subjects—Literature in English, Literature in Ndebele, History and Ndebele Language—in 2022. Her results were good enough to secure a place at university, but without anyone to pay her tuition fees, her dream came to an abrupt halt.
“I performed well at A-Level despite the challenges of learning in a rural environment,” she said.
“My grandfather and grandmother are the ones who raised me after my parents separated many years ago.
“My father remarried and abandoned us. He is a wealthy businessman with several businesses, but he never bothered to support me or pay for my university education.
“It hurt me that despite my academic achievements, there was no bond between my father and I.”
Belle, who was recently crowned Miss Rural Zimbabwe Matabeleland South, says she now considers her grandfather, Daniel Dube, as her greatest role model.
“My grandparents will always be my heroes because they filled the gap left by someone who is still alive, but chose not to be there for me.
“My grandfather used to take me to Gweru and Bulawayo whenever he travelled for work so that I could experience life outside the rural areas and gain some exposure.
“He has always had a soft spot for me and he means the world to me,” she said.
Beyond her family, Belle credits Miss Rural Zimbabwe founder Sipho Mazibuko with restoring her confidence and giving her a new sense of purpose.
“In both pageantry and real life, Sipho Mazibuko is my role model. I will always honour her for giving me the platform that I enjoy today.
“She spotted my potential while scouting for contestants in Matabeleland South. I grabbed the opportunity with both hands, and today I am enjoying every moment of this journey.
“My immediate goal is to win the Miss Rural Zimbabwe crown and build a successful career in pageantry.”
Belle, who is also pursuing a career in fashion modelling, praised Mazibuko for mentoring her and helping her unlock her full potential.
