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Youth Interactive Writer
MISS Rural Zimbabwe Matabeleland North finalist Peggy Ngendu is setting her sights high as she aims to defy the odds and follow in the footsteps of her inspiring role model, Zodwa Mkandla.
At just 21, Peggy embodies the determination and ambition necessary to make a mark in her community and beyond.
She also recognises the challenges ahead but is fuelled by the belief that hard work and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements.
Zodwa, a prominent figure in the travel and hospitality sector, has captured Peggy’s admiration for her incredible journey from humble beginnings to becoming a household name.
Zodwa’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit serve as a beacon of hope, motivating young women like Peggy to chase their dreams relentlessly.”I am a rural girl who is trying my luck in modelling after failing to continue my education three years ago. As a Xhosa girl from Mbembesi, I want to see my community making an impression on the global map, and one of the people I look up to is Zodwa Mkandla.
“She is a hardworking woman who has defied the odds and risen from a humble background to the top. I love her, and I will do my best to ensure that I make an impression in life,” she remarked.
Peggy is committed to embracing these values as she navigates her own path in the competitive landscape of Zimbabwe’s creative industries.
“In this journey as a rural model, I have realised that I have to be strong and represent other rural girls who need help. I want to make my community happy and ensure that I become a role model,” she stressed.
Recently, Peggy had the exhilarating opportunity to meet Zodwa in person, an experience that left her brimming with excitement and inspiration. Hailing from Mbembesi, the same area that nurtured Zodwa’s talents, Peggy feels a deep connection to her role model’s story. This encounter has ignited a fire within her, reaffirming her belief that with perseverance and the right guidance, she too can achieve greatness.
“I met her when I came to Harare, and it was quite an amazing experience. I am not only asking for too much from her but for help for me to pursue my modeling career as well as education.
“At the moment, I am a presenter at a community radio station, Ingqanga FM, in Mbembesi, Zimbabwe. The station aims to preserve the Xhosa culture and language and is part of the government’s effort to enhance access to information and empower marginalized communities,” she stressed.
The rural model, who has been touring Zimbabwe along with other beauties under Sipho Mazibuko’s mentorship, shared some of her experiences.
“It has been quite an amazing journey hanging around with other models and learning from their stories. I have also shared some of the issues that affect girls in my community, and it’s sad that some of these problems are similar. I hope that by the time we hold the national pageant, I will be well-equipped,” she said. She urged policymakers to step in and help rural girls who are prone to sexual abuse and rape.
“I have witnessed cases of sexual harassment and rape in my community, and it’s an issue that requires policymakers to step in and help our local communities.
“The situation is getting out of hand, and this needs to be addressed. In my case, I only need empowerment from my role model to be able to shine in Zimbabwe and beyond,” she added.
As she navigates her new terrain in modelling, Peggy is confident she can make the grade and emulate Zodwa, who has defied her humble background and risen to the top as a hardworking woman.
With proper guidance, grooming, and extra hard work, Peggy’s dream is to make an impression in pageantry and media.
Online Reporter