Online Reporter
Sipepisiwe Moyo, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
In a bid to redefine traditional beauty standards, is the Mapressa July Glamour pageant which embraces contestants of all ages, body types, and heights. This innovative event not only provides a platform for models and fashion designers to showcase their talents but also empowers them to make a positive impact in their communities.
The pageant’s unique approach to beauty and fashion is centred around inclusivity, diversity, and social responsibility. By removing restrictions on age, body type, and height, the event creates a welcoming space for individuals from all walks of life to participate and shine.
Moreover, the pageant’s focus on empowering models and fashion designers is a testament to its commitment to fostering creativity and talent. The event provides a valuable opportunity for contestants to gain exposure, build their confidence, and develop their skills in a supportive environment.
One of the most inspiring aspects of this pageant is its emphasis on giving back to the community. Contestants use part of their prize money to support local causes, demonstrating the event’s dedication to social responsibility and community upliftment.
Despite the fact that the pageant is held in South Africa, models and organisers are from Zimbabwe and eventually ensure that they promote and empower the community back home.
This year’s Miss Mapressa Nobuhle Ndlovu and Mr Mapressa Brian Sibanda shared that after winning they took part of their price money and donated school shoes to a school in KZN and are on their way to Zimbabwe to donate sanitary wear and other essentials to various schools.
“My experience at the MaPressa July event was exciting. I was honoured and came out victorious as Miss Mapressa 2025.The support that I received from my fellows was incredible.
“As Mr & Miss MaPressa we decided to get a certain percentage and give back to the community. I looked for students that are in need of school shoes in KZN and we handed them over to Zamikhaya Ngubane who will hand them over.
“Secondly we had a word with Sis Nobuhle founder of Nobuhle Virgie Foundation asking if we could help out with her soup kitchens that are held every Sunday but unfortunately we couldn’t find her.
“This month end we will be donating sanitary wear such as pads and soaps for girls in Zimbabwe.
“We are looking forward to meeting the school principal of Masendu primary school and Zuzaphi Primary School.
“Other schools we are going to reach with include Jutshume Primary school, Mbimba 1 Primary School and Bambadzi Secondary School,” said Nobuhle.
Fashion designer and Miss Mapressa 2023 Mpume Dumane has had her designs taking the lead at the event since 2023 to date. She highlighted that the pageant has given her an opportunity to market her designs exposing her to a wider market.
“I really had a great experience coming in riding the horse, it was a grand entrance. I would like to thank DJ Mapressa for giving fashion designers and the models a platform to showcase their work and gain recognition within the industry and also to gain exposure to potential clients.
The Mapressa glamour fashion show did not only benefit fashion designers it has touched everyone who is in business and the community,” said Mpume.
It is interesting to note that in October DJ Mapressa will be bringing the event to Bulawayo, with preparations going well.
“This October we are bringing the event home with the summer edition, people should start bathing so that they meet the glamour standard of the event.
“The event has also gained momentum and we have witnessed attendees showing up in luxurious cars such as Limousines, I really can’t wait to see the level which Bulawayo will take the event to. Already we have started getting a lot of support and a positive reaction from people all over.
“Anyone who does not match the event’s standard will be turned away at the gate strictly come looking glamorous,” he shared.
The event will also have artists such as Andrea the Vocalist, Bio Mudimba, JayCee Mr Ungayithi Vuu, Mzoe 7 and Gog’ Bekezela performing. DJ Mapressa shared that they are yet to add more artists and may also bring some from South Africa.
