Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube, mthokoncube3015gmail.com
THE stage is set for the Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe pageant taking place in Bulawayo today, with finalists displaying a blend of nerves, excitement and quiet determination ahead of what promises to be a memorable and highly anticipated event.
Event organiser Mthokozisi Masuku said contestants, drawn from different parts of the country, are ready to step onto the runway after completing an intense period of preparation designed to shape them far beyond surface beauty. According to Masuku, the process has been about building confidence, resilience and purpose as much as perfecting posture.
“The finalists are in a raving motion. They’re both nervous and geared up,” said Masuku.
This year’s pageant is being held under the theme, “Culture Meets Technology”, a concept that reflects the evolving identity of young Zimbabwean women as they navigate tradition and modernity in an increasingly digital world.
Masuku said that preparations for this edition have intentionally gone beyond physical training, placing strong emphasis on emotional strength, self awareness and life after the crown. He said the goal is to ensure that contestants understand the value of the platform, whether or not they walk away with the title.
“We’ve emphasised emotional preparedness — what happens after the pageant? Do they become a brand? They need to realise their worth,” he said.
He described the boot camp phase as intensive and purposefully challenging, noting that it is designed to echo the realities faced by many young girls across the country. According to Masuku, the experience reminds contestants that success is built through endurance, discipline and humility, not glamour alone. “During boot camp, we train the girls to undergo tough conditions symbolic of every girl child in Zimbabwe. It’s not all glamorous,” he said.
Masuku also highlighted the significance of the third edition returning to Bulawayo, the city where the pageant was first introduced. He said the homecoming adds a sense of heritage and pride, while also reflecting the growth and evolution of the competition.
“The third edition is back in the mother city where it all began. Coincidentally, the number of models is the same as in the first edition, but the judges are on a higher level and the competition is even stiffer,” he said.
With Bulawayo hosting the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair this week, Masuku noted there is heightened attention from corporate players keen to witness how the platform has grown and to assess its long term potential as a brand rooted in youth empowerment.
“We are preparing for a night of fireworks and surprises,” Masuku said.
Looking beyond tonight’s spectacle, Masuku revealed that organisers are taking deliberate steps to ensure the pageant’s sustainability by aligning with cultural brands and exploring income generating projects in sectors such as farming and mining. He said this strategic shift is aimed at making the programme self reliant while expanding opportunities for contestants.
“As a brand, we’ve begun talks to start projects in farming and mining so that the programme becomes self-sustaining,” he said.
As a result, this year’s judging criteria will place stronger emphasis on substance rather than style alone. Masuku said adjudicators will be looking closely at how contestants think, present ideas and engage with the broader purpose of the pageant. “Judges will focus largely on projects, their impact, stage performance, as well as pre-judging.”
He added that lessons drawn from previous winners continue to shape the direction of the competition. Last year, Ashantelle Tariro Chapenga was crowned queen, setting a benchmark that now guides expectations for the next title holder. “We learn every day. The past queens’ reign has influenced how the next queen will be chosen. They are the yardstick for growth and continuity.”
The event will be hosted by Precious Rose with newly crowned Miss Tourism Zimbabwe Zanele Moyo expected to attend as a special guest.
