Mthokozisi Ncube [email protected]
THE Miss and Mr Rural Midlands Provincial Finals are set to take place on November 2 in Kwekwe, with founder Sipho Mazibuko saying the initiative aims to preserve cultural heritage while creating opportunities for young people in rural communities.
The event, running under the theme “Natural Beauty”, will be coinciding with the International Rural Women’s Day.
Provincial head of the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Viola Mwale, said the pageant sought to bridge the gap between modern youth culture and Zimbabwe’s traditional heritage.
“Platforms like Miss Rural redefine beauty pageantry by prioritising cultural authenticity, indigenous knowledge and community pride over conventional Westernised standards,” said Mwale.
She said the platform encouraged young people to embrace their local languages, traditional attire, folklore and customs, adding that rural backgrounds should be celebrated as valuable cultural assets.
Mwale said the pageant also provided opportunities for young people to showcase their artistic talents through traditional dance, oral storytelling, poetry and indigenous fashion design.
She added that the initiative could create economic opportunities for local artisans, including weavers, bead workers and designers, by giving their crafts greater visibility.
Beyond the competition, the provincial finals are expected to promote leadership, public speaking and entrepreneurship while opening pathways into tourism, hospitality and the creative sector.
Mwale said the platform could also help young women become community ambassadors who raise awareness of challenges affecting rural communities, including early marriages, teenage pregnancies and limited economic opportunities.
Meanwhile, Mazibuko said preparations for the event had included scouting contestants from different provinces, crediting Midlands provincial coordinator Melusi Chasura, based in Zvishavane, for identifying many of the models.
“Credit goes to Mr Melusi Chasura from Zvishavane, our provincial coordinator, for scouting for most of the models and Arts and Culture Midlands,” said Mazibuko.
He said the programme had received a positive response from ZANU-PF leadership in Kwekwe, adding that the organisers had presented the initiative to the party’s Kwekwe headquarters.
Mazibuko said they had also engaged Kwekwe District Youth Chairman Boss Diva, who was expected to work with the team from the following day.
He added that provincial representatives from Masvingo were already travelling to the event, alongside contestants from other provinces.
Among those mentioned were Miss Binga, Rato Chipalwe, provincial winners from Mashonaland East, and the Matabeleland South provincial queen and princess.
Mr Rural Matabeleland North, Blessing Mpofu, from Cross Dete in Hwange, was also reported to be on his way to the event.
The event aims to showcase rural talent while celebrating the cultural diversity and creative potential of Zimbabwe’s communities.
