Online Reporter
Langalihle Mhiti
THE Mr and Miss Hillside 2026 pageant is eyeing a bigger and brighter future.
The Hillside Teachers College management is planning to expand the annual event by attracting more partners, stakeholders and external performers.
The pageant, which celebrates beauty, talent, confidence and intelligence, saw Patricia Sibanda and Tafadzwa Winter Zinhanzva being crowned Queen and King. In an interview, the college management said the pageant had become a cherished annual tradition, with ambitions to grow its influence and attract a wider audience.
“Our aspiration is to engage more partners and stakeholders, thereby strengthening support and ensuring the event continues to flourish,” the management said. The 2026 edition was inspired by the principles of Education 5.0, which emphasise innovation and industrialisation as part of Zimbabwe’s development agenda. Management believes modelling is more than beauty and can contribute to national development, tourism and the promotion of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage. “Modelling, in this context, transcends aesthetics; it is an industry capable of contributing meaningfully to national development,” the management said. The pageant also sought to encourage students to embrace their individual abilities, overcome their fears and build confidence in their identities.
Beyond the competition, the event offered entertainment and a welcome break from academic commitments, with student dance groups adding energy to the programme.
Former Miss Hillside 2019, Nomazulu Precious Gumpo, also contributed her experience to the competition.
Management said the contest was tightly contested, reflecting the wealth of talent among students.
The judges looked beyond physical appearance when selecting the winners, focusing on poise, grace, elegance, intellect and an understanding of the institution’s values.
“In Patricia and Tafadzwa, they found promising leaders who embody both the spirit and vision of the institution,” the management said.
The newly crowned King and Queen are expected to take up ambassadorial responsibilities, including participating in community outreach programmes.
Their activities will focus on raising awareness about drug and substance abuse, climate change, pollution, and mental health and wellness.
Management said the pageant also plays an important role in developing leadership and communication skills among students. “The pageant serves as a transformative platform. It creates opportunities for public speaking, instils the discipline of self-presentation, and nurtures the ability to view oneself as a brand,” the management said.
The college hopes to build on the success of this year’s edition by introducing more activities and inviting external artists and performers.
The plans are expected to add variety to future editions while positioning the pageant as a broader cultural and entertainment platform. For Hillside Teachers College, the vision is to create an event that not only celebrates student talent but also gives participants opportunities to develop skills and contribute to society.
