Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena
VETERAN modelling instructor Sipho Mazibuko has revealed that the high cost of participating in beauty pageants is leaving young and vulnerable models exposed to exploitation as they seek financial assistance to pursue their dreams.
The former Miss Bulawayo 1992 made the remarks in the wake of this year’s Miss Universe Zimbabwe competition, won by Roseanna Hall.
While she praised the pageant’s glamour, fashion and overall presentation, Mazibuko noted that contestants often face significant financial burdens, particularly when required to fund aspects of their participation.
“It is very expensive to self-fund for any pageant because most of these models are young people chasing their dreams. If you look at Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026, the event lived up to expectations. The contestants’ outfits, especially the cultural wear, were costly because they were designed by professionals,” said Mazibuko.
She believes that pageant organisers should cover essential participation costs to prevent contestants from seeking support from potentially harmful sources.
“I’m not aware whether the Miss Universe Zimbabwe contestants fully funded themselves, but I know for a fact they paid for their evening gowns. I understand the swimwear was sponsored by a company from Dubai, while make-up was also sponsored.
“It’s not good for models to self-fund because some end up turning to questionable sources for money and may be exploited in return for financial assistance. That is why you sometimes hear stories about relationships between models and businessmen linked to sponsorship arrangements.
“I’m a former model, so I understand the pressure that comes with preparing for a pageant. It’s not easy, especially when you don’t have the financial resources. Some may be tempted to use unscrupulous means to secure funding,” she said.
Mazibuko said she has approached the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) to advocate for stronger regulation of beauty pageants to safeguard contestants and uphold their dignity.
She believes aspiring models should be adequately supported so they can pursue their ambitions without financial barriers.
“In most cases, it is young people who pursue modelling careers, and many of them do not have the money required. That is why I approached NACZ about regulating pageants in Zimbabwe. They encouraged me to form an association that can be registered under them.
“I am currently working on that because some unscrupulous pageants exploit contestants for financial gain. There is still a lot that needs to be done to properly regulate Zimbabwe’s pageantry industry,” said Mazibuko.
