Online Reporter
Ronald Takudzwa Sambona
Youth Interactive Correspondent
THE philosopher Kamu once said, “Live to the point of tears”, and for Miss Deo Sharmein Jakata, the reigning Miss Mabvuku Tafara Queen, it has been tears all the way.
Interacting with this phenomenal lady, I couldn’t help but be inspired by her remarkable journey.
Using prayer, hard work, and humility as her values, Miss Jakata is headed for Hollywood. She started modelling at just 16 years of age in 2024, and she was recently crowned Queen, proving her commitment to success and serving her community. She’s also a TV and film actress with award-winning films under her belt.
In her capacity as Miss Mabvuku, she’s been championing the rights of girls and women. While some women do pageantry for their benefits and clout or to be in the spotlight, Miss Jakata does modelling to empower girls in her community.
Under her leadership, the crown has restored dignity, hope, and love in the title. At 18 years old, the pain of staying in bud is suddenly too much that she wants to bloom. Being inspired by Jacque Mgido, she is on her way to building DEOLEO, her own makeup brand.
As a self-taught makeup artist, Miss Jakata believes life without continuous learning is a myth. She views education as the key to shaping a new generation of women who are leaders in everything they do in life.
“Education is great because you will be able to stand on your own whether you pass or not. Even that little knowledge you get by being around so many different people with different mindsets can help you build your own brand,” she remarked.
Currently, Miss Jakata is on a nationwide tour sharing the good gospel of girls’ education through her crown and also filmmaking. By filming and sharing narratives with strong messages, she believes that her community and our nation will be awoken to the harsh realities of child marriages and unite in protecting girls’ rights.
Her reasons for wanting to bloom are touching — serving her community, protecting the girl child and advancing education for all people. She has no superior education, no great wealth, nothing but manners.
Miss Jakata draws inspiration from Tyler Perry, who similar to her, is a renowned women’s advocate who uses filmmaking as a tool to teach.
“Tyler Perry inspired me because he does not create film for fun only, but also creates film for us to learn and I’m someone who is always ready to learn something new.”
Much closer to her heart is her brother, Leo Ericks, who is also in the filmmaking industry. She mentions how his invaluable lessons and support have carried her.
“My brother has always been there for me. He always teaches me that nothing comes for free. You must work for it. He taught me humility and to respect everyone around me,” said Jakata.
Miss Mabvuku’s message to young ladies is heartwarming: “The sky is the limit. Never hesitate to do something that you feel you can do. Never be stopped because you don’t have someone to encourage you or because you don’t have full resources. Start with that dream you have and you will make it.”
