Online Reporter
Youth Interactive Writer
WITH less than two months before he flies Zimbabwe’s flag on the international stage, six-year-old model King Epikaizo Mushunje is racing against time to raise funds for his trip to the Philippines, where he will represent the country at the prestigious Crown Ambassador International competition.
To support the young model’s dream, his family has organised a fundraising gala dinner scheduled for next month at a local restaurant.
Over Us$3 000 is needed to cover extra expenses. The event is expected to bring together well-wishers, corporate sponsors and members of the public eager to help make his journey a reality.
Mushunje, who was crowned Mr Zimbabwe — Crown Ambassador International recently, is set to compete at this year’s Crown Ambassador International pageant on August 31 in the Philippines.
His mother, Margaret Makoni, who has single-handedly financed much of her son’s preparations, is now facing mounting travel and participation costs, prompting the family to organise the fundraising dinner.
As a minor and Zimbabwe’s representative at the international competition, Mushunje will travel along with his mother.
The family has appealed to individuals and organisations for financial assistance to ensure the young ambassador is adequately prepared and equipped to represent the country with pride.
A gala dinner is being held in Harare to raise funds for King Epikaizo Mushunje, a six-year-old Zimbabwean child model and cultural ambassador, ahead of his trip to the Philippines for the Crown Ambassador International 2026 competition.
The Sashing & Send-Off Gala Dinner takes place on next month at a local restaurant.
Dress code is black tie or African elegance. King Epikaizo, born on November 12, 2019, has represented Zimbabwe on several international platforms, the Mushunje family said in a statement.
Mushunje, who is set to make Zimbabwe proud, currently holds the title Mr Zimbabwe – Crown Ambassador International 2026, and is the reigning 1st Runner-Up for Mr Toto Africa.
He also won the Best Cultural Wear Award in Kenya earlier this year, and has been featured on Capitaĺk 100.4 FM, Power FM Zimbabwe, and ZBC TV.
He is also the founder of King Epikaizo Candy Sweets, a small children’s business, and supports causes such as sanitary pad donations for girls and stationery donations to schools.
The Mushunje family added: “In August 2026, King Epikaizo will travel to the Philippines to represent Zimbabwe at the Crown Ambassador International Competition.
“He departs on August 24, with the grand finale on August 31, and returns to Zimbabwe on September 2, 2026. The Harare gala dinner has been organised to help cover the costs of his participation, including travel, accommodation, and event fees.
“A Call to Travel and Tourism Brands: Organisers are especially inviting hotels, lodges, and other travel and tourism businesses to come on board as sponsors or partners for this event.
“The Crown Ambassador International competition draws attention from across the world, and brands associated with King Epikaizo’s journey stand to gain visibility well beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, reaching an international audience through media coverage of the competition and King Epikaizo’s ongoing public profile.
“This is a rare opportunity for hospitality brands to be part of a proudly Zimbabwean story with genuine global reach, while also supporting youth development and a young Zimbabwean’s education and growth.”
Members of the public, corporates, and travel and tourism players wishing to support Mushunje have been afforded a rare opportunity to fully utilise the platform and market their wares.
Mushunje is only a little king with a big purpose, and a heart of gold is needed to ensure that he, a Grade One pupil, fulfils his other calling — modelling.
