Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
MISS Rural Zimbabwe organisers have been granted permission by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe to officially launch their pageant at the Mbuya Nehanda National Monument in Harare.
The national launch, set for next week, will coincide with World Tourism Day, with the grand finale scheduled for the following month in Harare.
As part of the launch, which will be held near the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) offices, a section of Samora Machel Avenue will be temporarily closed to pave way for the street march.
In a confirmation letter, NMMZ Northern Region director Godhi Bvocho hailed the organisers for choosing to promote the national heritage site.
“I am writing to advise that your request has been well received and favourably considered based on the significance and relevance of the matter to the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe’s strategic objectives specifically and the national interest of Zimbabwe broadly,” Bvocho said.
“Promotion of national heritage is one key component of heritage preservation, and therefore, your choice and publicity of the Mbuya Nehanda statue is greatly appreciated.
“National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe will provide you with the detailed costs for the filming of the Mbuya Nehanda National Monument during your event, subject to your fulfilling other requirements for hosting, such as those from the City of Harare and the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
“Once you have all the necessary clearances from the indicated authorities, you can come to us for the invoice and details.”
Speaking to Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Miss Rural Zimbabwe founder and organiser Sipho Mazibuko said preparations were at an advanced stage, with her team working hard to meet all the requirements.
“It will be a street march near the ZTA offices leading to the Mbuya Nehanda National Monument, where we are going to showcase our natural beauty as well as heritage sites,” she said.
“We chose the Mbuya Nehanda statue because she is part of our cultural heritage. A lot of people need to be educated about Mbuya Nehanda because she remains one of the important figures in Zimbabwe’s liberation history.
“She did her part despite being a woman, and we want the entire nation to celebrate her.”
Mazibuko said the launch would also culminate in a celebration of Zimbabwean girls and purity, with virgins expected to be paraded during the street march.
“It will be a huge celebration where we are inviting chiefs and the Chiefs Council, as well as model chiefs.
“Amatshitshi under Chief Dakamela will lead Amatshitshi Nemhandara,” she said.
The organisers said the choice of the heritage site was also intended to give the participating rural girls an opportunity to connect with Zimbabwe’s history while showcasing the country’s cultural identity to a wider audience.
Mazibuko said the event would bring together culture, tourism, heritage and the empowerment of rural girls, making the launch more than just a conventional beauty pageant.
“We are doing all this to ensure that we promote our culture, rural beauty and tourism.
“This has always been my wish, to fulfil this mission. We are more than ready to leave an impression,” she said.
Miss Rural Zimbabwe is a unique pageant that targets rural models, who are often marginalised and have limited access to the opportunities enjoyed by their urban counterparts.
The pageant seeks to promote Ubuntu, confidence-building and the empowerment of rural girls, while creating a platform for them to showcase their talents, beauty and cultural heritage.
The organisers hope this year’s edition will further strengthen the link between rural development, tourism and cultural preservation, while inspiring young women to take pride in their roots and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
