Online Reporter
Nodumo Moyo [email protected]
WHAT started as an escape from childhood bullying has grown into a mission to help other young girls discover their confidence. At just 18, reigning Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe Patience Phiri is turning her personal pain into purpose throu gh the launch of the inaugural Miss Makokoba pageant, which will be held at Stanley Hall in Makokoba today.
The Bulawayo-based beauty queen hopes the competition will become more than a pageant. For her, it is a platform to empower young women, build confidence and rewrite the narrative surrounding one of the city’s oldest townships.
An O-Level student, Phiri has emerged as one of Zimbabwe’s promising young pageant queens, but her journey began long before the crowns and titles. She started modelling while she was in Grade Four in South Africa, during a period when she was struggling with bullying.
“I was bullied a lot when I was in my primary level and it really affected me. But being on stage changed everything for me because that’s the one place where I could regain my confidence, learn to speak out for myself, and truly stand up for who I am,” she said in a previous interview.
Instead of allowing those experiences to define her, Phiri found healing under the spotlight. The stage became a place where she could rediscover herself and build the confidence she had lost.
“When I was on stage, I felt like I had a voice, as I could finally express myself without fear. That’s something that helped me grow stronger. Even at that young age, I remember how being on stage made me feel seen and confident,” she said.
Now, she wants other girls to experience that same transformation. Established in March this year, Miss Makokoba was founded with the vision of celebrating the beauty, talent and intelligence of young women from the suburb while encouraging them to embrace their roots and chase their dreams without limitations.
Phiri said the initiative was inspired by the abundance of untapped talent in Makokoba and the lack of platforms that celebrate young people from the area.
“Makokoba is full of talent, beauty and brains, but the new generation rarely gets the platform that celebrates them because of where they come from and for the well-known history of Makokoba,” Phiri said.
She believes where one comes from should never determine how far they can go.
“I was inspired to create a pageant that will rewrite the history of Makokoba and show the world that queens are born in Makokoba too. I also want to show the world that no matter where one comes from, she or he can still make and be who he or she wants to be,” Phiri said.
Unlike traditional beauty contests, Miss Makokoba will place equal emphasis on leadership, character and community service.
“We’re looking for confidence, good character and community spirit. Beauty with brains and purpose, a queen who is proud of where she comes from and ready to lead her peers in her community,” Phiri said.
She said the broader vision is to create opportunities for young women while preserving the township’s rich cultural heritage.
“The main purpose is to empower my community and rewrite Makokoba’s history. To build self-esteem, leadership and opportunities for young women from Makokoba. To also preserve culture and change the narrative about our community, Makokoba,” Phiri said.
The inaugural edition has attracted 12 contestants who have undergone intensive rehearsals in catwalk, grooming, etiquette, fitness, talent development and public speaking ahead of the competition.
The evening will feature live performances, fashion and talent showcases as well as cultural displays. Among those billed to perform are up-and-coming Makokoba musician K’ros.
Beyond the crown, winners will receive modelling and public-speaking training, ambassadorial roles in community projects and exposure to brands, media and events. Phiri hopes Miss Makokoba will become an annual fixture before eventually expanding into skills training, scholarships and a foundation that supports girls in school.
“The goal is to make this a legacy platform for Makokoba queens,” Phiri said.
While pursuing the ambitious project, Phiri is also balancing her responsibilities as Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe with her schoolwork.
“I’m trying my best to keep things in order at school and as Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe. Thank you to Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe organisation for their support and understanding, they’re the ones that give me the power to overcome every problem that comes along,” she said.
