Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
THIS year’s edition of the Miss and Mr Rural Zimbabwe beauty pageant is set to launch in Bulawayo tomorrow.
Pageant founder Sipho Mazibuko said the event will shine a spotlight on the beauty, talent and charisma of contestants from rural communities, telling their unique stories and celebrating their roots.
Speaking to Zimpapers Entertainment Hub, Mazibuko said models have so far been scouted in Masvingo, Matabeleland North and Mashonaland Central.
She said her mission is to scout hidden talent in rural areas.
After the official launch, Lupane State University will host the Miss Rural and Mr Rural Zimbabwe provincial finals.
“The Miss and Mr Rural pageant has become a beacon of hope for many children from disadvantaged backgrounds. It’s helping bridge the gap between rural and urban communities by offering recognition and life-changing opportunities to those often overlooked.
“The launch is expected to draw a large crowd, including industry professionals, local celebrities and fans.”
Following the launch, focus will shift to Matabeleland North, where provincial finals will be held at Lupane State University.
“We invite Zimbabwe to witness a cultural explosion from Binga to Tsholotsho, Victoria Falls to Umguza, all corners of Matabeleland North.
“This is more than a pageant, it’s a movement that’s restoring pride, dignity and purpose among the rural youth,” Mazibuko said.
Targeting rural models aged between 18 and 25, the pageant aims to empower and elevate the rural youth to stand shoulder to shoulder with their urban counterparts.
This year’s edition runs under the powerful theme: “Embrace Your Culture, Embrace Zimbabwe”.
“The rural boy child has never truly been given a platform to showcase his talent. Some of these boys suffer in silence, facing sexual molestation from female relatives and emotional or physical abuse by step parents.
“Many are trapped in cycles of poverty with no role models or direction and end up turning to artisanal mining, a dangerous path marked by frequent deaths, or falling into drug and alcohol abuse,” she said.
