Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts & Entertainment Hub
The launch of the Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe (MTOUZ) pageant this past weekend was far from smooth, as a heated confrontation erupted between former director Khaya Pardon and the newly appointed national director, Philip Masuku.
Masuku and Pardon, once close friends, saw their relationship tested when Masuku, who had been part of the MTOUZ board, resigned and later resurfaced earlier this year to take over Khaya’s position.
In January, Masuku was announced as the new national director of MTOUZ, replacing Khaya. In a press statement, the MTOUZ board expressed excitement about the leadership change:
“This new leadership marks an exciting chapter in our organisation’s history as we strive to take our national pageants to new heights.
“We’re thrilled to announce Mr Masuku as our new national director, whose experience and passion for empowering individuals make him the ideal candidate to lead us into a new era.”
The statement also acknowledged Khaya’s contributions, noting: “We appreciate the foundation he has laid for our future success.”
However, shortly after the announcement, Khaya expressed his disappointment over losing control of the pageant, a project he had dedicated two years to.
“A person I considered a friend and brother took it away from me just like that. It broke my heart, but life has to go on,” he told Chronicle in an interview.
The tension escalated on 28 March, when Khaya arrived uninvited at the MTOUZ contestant unveiling event for the 2025 pageant, accompanied by a group of friends, including DJ Nospa. They attempted to force their way into the venue, but security intervened.
Pageant judge Nkanyeziyethu Malunga, daughter of Minister Judith Ncube, was called in to mediate, but her efforts were unsuccessful.
In a shocking turn of events, the pageant’s publicist informed Minister Judith Ncube about the disturbance, prompting her to demand to know who was disrupting an event she had authorised.
“Get out of that place now,” she ordered Khaya, before abruptly ending the call.
Despite the minister’s intervention, Khaya and his group refused to leave and began chanting, creating a scene.
The situation only calmed when police were called.
Fortunately, the guests inside the venue remained unaware of the drama unfolding outside the Deluxe Villa gate.
After the event concluded, Khaya remained outside the gate, suggesting the conflict was far from over.
Efforts to reach both parties for comment were unsuccessful.
Masuku directed the reporter to the pageant’s publicist, who did not respond. Khaya, however, suggested the reporter write about the fight but declined to share his side of the story.
Bongani Ndlovu