Online Reporter
Sinokubonga Nkala
LUPANE State University’s newly crowned Mr and Miss LSU have pledged to use their reign to inspire fellow students, champion meaningful causes and proudly represent the institution on and off campus.
Miss Lupane State University, Ntandoyenkosi Mpofu (22), a second-year Accounting and Finance student from Bulawayo, described her victory as a moment of joy after months of hard work and preparation.
“I felt happy, honoured and grateful. It was an unforgettable moment that reminded me that hard work, dedication and confidence truly pay off,” she said.
Mpofu said she entered the pageant to challenge herself, build confidence and inspire others while representing the university with pride.
Balancing lectures with rehearsals was her biggest challenge, but she said the experience helped her grow personally, build lasting friendships and ultimately claim the coveted crown.
“Wearing the Miss Lupane State University crown means responsibility, leadership and service. It is an opportunity to inspire others and represent the university with pride,” she said.
During her reign, Mpofu hopes to spearhead mental health awareness campaigns, encourage self-confidence among students and participate in community outreach initiatives.
She credited her family, friends, lecturers and fellow students for supporting her journey and said effective time management would help her balance academics with her new responsibilities.
Mpofu believes her confidence, authenticity, humility and determination set her apart from the competition. She added that pageantry strengthened her leadership, communication and public speaking skills, qualities she hopes to carry into a successful career in Accounting and Finance.
Encouraging aspiring contestants, she urged students to believe in themselves and remain true to who they are.
“Every dream is possible with determination,” she said.
Meanwhile, newly crowned Mr Lupane State University, Ngqabutho Ronaldo Mpofu, a first-year Development Studies student from Bulawayo, described hearing his name announced as winner as both frightening and exciting.
“I was scared and excited at the same time because it felt unreal,” he said.
His journey to the crown was not without challenges. Three weeks before the competition, he broke two fingers during a football match, forcing him to miss several rehearsals while attending medical appointments.
Instead of giving up, he used his hospital trips to source outfits for the competition, turning adversity into an advantage.
Ngqabutho said wearing the crown carries the responsibility of becoming a role model who motivates students to reach their full potential.
“My life has drastically changed because I am now the face of the institution. It has positively influenced my behaviour and self-conduct,” he said.
During his reign, he hopes to promote Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage through campus cultural commemorations and the celebration of traditional foods.
He credited his confidence, authenticity and eloquence for helping him stand out and said his mother’s encouragement gave him the courage to pursue the title.
“She told me, ‘You are a Mlandwa; you are what you want to be.’ Those words gave me confidence to pursue my dream,” he said.
Ngqabutho said pageantry taught him that confidence should go hand in hand with leadership, while personal growth begins with the right mindset.
Both titleholders praised Lupane State University’s heritage-based Education 5.0 model and pledged to serve as ambassadors who reflect the institution’s values of leadership, innovation, professionalism and integrity.
