Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
THE Mr and Miss Rural Zimbabwe pageant continues to unearth talent from rural communities, following the successful hosting of the 2026 Midlands provincial finals at KwaMudha Highway Hotel in Kwekwe on Monday.
A total of 25 aspiring models from across the province competed for top honours at the event.
Chenai Mutombo from Shurugwi was crowned Miss Rural Midlands after impressing the judges with her catwalk skills, beating 15 other contestants.
Yvette Joram from Zhombe was named first princess, while Polite Chokudya from Zvishavane was crowned second princess. Fidelis Mhlanga from Mberengwa was named fourth runner-up.
In the men’s category, Obrey Mlilo from Chiwundura was crowned Mr Rural Midlands and will represent the province at the national finals.
Patrick Dube from Mberengwa was named first prince, while Prosper Dube from Chiwundura took the second prince title. Tanaka Kurekwechuma was named fourth runner-up.
Mlilo also scooped the Mr Personality title, while Yolanda Chilenje won the Miss Personality accolade.
Running under the theme, “Rooted in Culture, Growing for Development”, the pageant was founded by Sipho Mazibuko to promote cultural heritage while creating opportunities for young people in rural communities.
Mazibuko said the initiative was beginning to yield positive results, with more young people turning to the creative sector as a means of improving their livelihoods.
“The Midlands provincial finals were held successfully, and it gives me joy to see that the whole province was catered for, with talent from rural areas being unlocked for the better. Our focus now shifts to the remaining provinces.
“I would like to thank everyone who has stood with us from the beginning and continues to support us in various ways. We are deeply grateful as a pageant.
“The Midlands event would not have been a success without the great work of arts and culture officers, who helped me identify models from different districts. These include Clarieta Chikwayiwa (Chirumhanzu District), Vengai Dengu (Gokwe North), Liandra Chikara (Mberengwa District), Abdon Zakaria (Gweru District), Edward Jaya (Zvishavane District), Ladslous Zimondi (Shurugwi District), Christine Sigauke (Kwekwe District) and Tizirai Heather (Midlands Province).
“I also extend my appreciation to our logistics manager, Mr Kudzai Sopa, and provincial coordinator, Mr Melusi Chasura,” said Mazibuko.
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