Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
MR Nust 2026, Anesu Jordan Moyo, who was crowned at a pageant held at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) campus last month, has said he intends to use his title to challenge misconceptions surrounding young people while promoting leadership and advocating for positive representation.
The 22-year-old emerged victorious at the colourful and well-attended Mr and Miss Nust 2026 pageant, where 22-year-old Moreblessing Lelani Ndlovu was crowned queen.
Speaking after his victory, Moyo expressed gratitude to, Sakunda Holdings led by Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Ambassador Apphia Musavengana, the Miss Universe Zimbabwe organisation and Nust Student Representative Council (SRC) president Russell Mashinya for supporting and organising the event.
He said his participation in the competition went beyond personal ambition, describing it as a platform to represent and uplift other young people.
“When I started this journey, I promised myself that I wasn’t competing for personal recognition alone, but for every young person who has ever felt overlooked, rejected, voiceless, or uncertain about their place in society,” he said.
For Moyo, the pageant represented more than a contest of style and appearance. He said it provided an opportunity to challenge perceptions around masculinity, confidence, beauty and self-worth, while encouraging meaningful conversations on youth empowerment.
He urged young people not to measure their value based on material possessions or social status, but to embrace personal growth and development.
“It’s perfectly acceptable to still be discovering yourself in your 20s. It’s acceptable to fall, fail, rise again and grow through the process,” he said.
Drawing from his experience as a member of the Harare City Junior Council, Moyo highlighted the importance of community development and the need for greater youth participation in national development.
“Nation-building begins with how we uplift one another. We cannot move Zimbabwe forward if we do not support, encourage and empower ourselves and those around us,” he said.
Among the prizes he received was a Toyota Aqua vehicle, which he said would assist him in balancing academic commitments, professional engagements and community initiatives associated with the Mr Nust platform. He also received a US$5 000 cash prize.
“I see these prizes not only as rewards, but also as a responsibility to represent the institution and the nation with excellence, humility and maturity,” he said.
Moyo said he hopes to use the platform to build networks and champion initiatives that inspire young Zimbabweans to embrace discipline, innovation and patriotism.
“I believe the nation has invested greatly in the potential of young people, and as Mr Nust, I want to be part of a generation that promotes discipline, innovation, patriotism and positive representation.”
derick.khumalo