Mr, Miss Rural Manicaland crowned

Last Saturday, Zanu PF Central Committee member and Presidential Special Investment Advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara, reaffirmed his support for the creative sector by bankrolling the Mr and Miss Rural Manicaland pageant, an initiative aimed at promoting culture and nurturing rural talent.

The colourful event, held in Manicaland, saw Chidochashe Chiunya from Makoni crowned Miss Rural Manicaland Province. Vanessa Mutambaneshiri from Mutare was named first princess, while Cecilia Chikaonda, also from Makoni, took the second princess title.

In the male category, Raphael Nyanyira from Buhera emerged as Mr Rural Manicaland 2026. He was followed by Charles Chinhanu from Mutasa District as first prince and Tarvin Mauchaza from Mutare as second prince.

A total of 18 contestants from rural communities showcased their modelling skills on the ramp, with each participant receiving US$100 courtesy of guest of honour, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Monica Mutsvangwa.
The event was attended by Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Misheck Mugadza, and his wife, Zanu PF Mutare District DCC Secretary for Women Affairs Cde Loreen Mukodza, as well as representatives from the party’s national and provincial leadership, including members of the Women’s League and Young Women 4ED structures.

Zanu PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, was represented by DCC member Cde Chipai, while Manicaland pageant chairperson Cde Hughes was also present among the organisers.

Founder of the pageant and modelling guru Sipho Mazibuko described the event as a powerful platform celebrating the beauty, resilience and identity of Zimbabwe’s rural youth.

“I’m happy with the talent that we continue to unpack from our country’s rural areas, and Manicaland was a success because of the unity displayed. We thank Dr Tungwarara for bankrolling the event, and my aunt, Minister Mutsvangwa, for always coming through to ensure that anything I set my eyes on is a success.

“I’d also like to thank the Mukodza family for their support, and everyone involved. Our focus now shifts to the remaining provinces before we host the national event, with dates to be announced,” said Mazibuko. – Follow on X: