Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
NTANDOYENKOSI Mpofu is no stranger to crowns. The 22-year-old Accounting and Finance student at Lupane State University is currently reigning as both Miss LSU Queen and the newly crowned Miss Panthers Queen 2026.
She was crowned on 8 August at the Panthers Academy Fashion Showcase and Crowning Night in Bulawayo, an event organisers say is part of efforts to revive the city’s modelling industry.
Minenhle was named first runner-up. Other winners on the night included Ashley Junior Chipayi as Mr Panthers King 2026.
For Ntandoyenkosi, the Panthers title adds to a year already marked by leadership and confidence on campus.
She said her journey into modelling started just months ago but was shaped by the woman she admires most.
“I was inspired by my mother. Her strength, elegance and hard work taught me to believe in my own beauty and potential. She encouraged me to pursue modeling to build my confidence and to represent young women from humble backgrounds who dare to dream big,” said Ntandoyenkosi.
She started modelling in May 2026 and described the past few months as transformative.
“It has been a journey of growth and confidence. Balancing school and pageantry taught me discipline. From a shy girl to Miss LSU Queen and now Miss Panthers Queen, I learned beauty is more than looks, it’s character,” Ntandoyenkosi said.
Her role models reflect that same drive.
“My first role model is my mother. In the industry, I look up to Zimbabwean queens like Mildred Muzeya (Miss Zimbabwe 2022). I also admire Sakhile Dube for her consistency and advocacy work,” she said.
Panthers Academy model coach and groomer Mzolisi Zibusiso Mtshayisa said the showcase was designed to do more than crown winners.
“Mr & Miss Panthers 2026 is more than a crowning ceremony, it is a platform with purpose. We want to bring together models, designers, photographers and creatives under one roof while encouraging contestants to become confident leaders and advocates for causes they believe in,” Mtshayisa said.
He also used the event to call for unity in Bulawayo’s modelling scene.
“One of the biggest challenges in Bulawayo’s modelling industry is that we often operate in separate camps instead of working together. If we want Bulawayo to regain its place as a powerhouse in fashion and modelling, we must value and support our own talent,” he said.
“On my side above all I’m so thankful to everyone who showed up, the support I received from Bulawayo as a whole. That was truly a step towards reviving the Bulawayo modelling industry,” Mtshayisa added.
The night featured runway presentations from local designers and performances by Smallerdj, Kimoe and Anele Nkundlande.
Now holding two crowns, Ntandoyenkosi says she wants to use her platforms to push education and self-belief.
“Believe in yourself. Your background does not define you. Stay in school, stay confident and start where you are. Your uniqueness is your power,” she said.
With books in one hand and a crown in the other, Ntandoyenkosi is proving that you can pursue both academics and pageantry — and win.
