Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
A WAVE of pride has swept across Manicaland Province following the remarkable success of two young sisters, Agastear Mukudzeishe Beni (11) and Alexis Makatendeka Beni (nine), who dazzled at the prestigious Miss Born A Star Zimbabwe 2026–2027 pageant held recently in Mutare.
Agastear stole the spotlight by being crowned Pre-Teen Queen, while her younger sister, Alexis, clinched the first runner-up title in the Junior Pre-Teen category.
The double triumph has firmly placed Manicaland in the national spotlight, with the sisters hailed as rising stars of Zimbabwe’s pageantry scene.
Their victory has earned them the honour of representing Zimbabwe at the upcoming Miss Born A Star Africa 2026–2027 competition in Lesotho this September, where they will compete against talented contestants from across the continent.
The sisters’ success has, not only brought pride to their family, but also ignited excitement across Manicaland, with community members celebrating their achievement as proof that local talent can shine brightly on the continental stage.
The milestone, not only elevates their personal journeys, but also underscores Manicaland’s growing presence in youth pageantry on the continental stage. Their victory is, not only a celebration of elegance and stage presence, but also a reflection of purpose-driven young leadership that is increasingly shaping Zimbabwe’s pageantry landscape.
In separate interviews this week, the girls said beyond the crowns and accolades, they are already making an impact through advocacy work that resonates with young people across the country.
Their platforms focus on youth empowerment, community health, and access to education — key issues affecting many children in Zimbabwe and beyond.
They are also passionate about creative branding and storytelling, using their voices to celebrate Zimbabwean identity while encouraging other young people to embrace their uniqueness.
Agastear, who stood out for her poise and composure throughout the competition, is quickly becoming a role model among her peers.
Her calm confidence and strong sense of purpose have positioned her as a young leader determined to inspire change.
Alexis, on the other hand, brought vibrant energy and charisma to the stage, captivating both judges and audiences with her natural confidence and warmth. The girls said they are now shifting focus to the Lesotho showdown, acknowledging that it will not be a stroll in the park.
“This crown is not just mine — it belongs to every young girl out there who dares to dream beyond her circumstances. I want to use this platform to encourage other children to believe in themselves, value education, and understand that their voices matter. This is just the beginning of a journey where I hope to inspire and uplift others,” said Agastear.
Alexis echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of confidence and kindness in shaping a better future.
“For me, this experience has shown that being confident and kind can truly make a difference.
“I want to show other young girls that they can achieve anything if they believe in themselves and stay true to who they are. This is more than a competition — it is about growing, learning, and inspiring others along the way. We have already started working towards the Lesotho contest. We know it will not be easy but we will do our best,” she said.
Their journey reflects a broader shift within Zimbabwe’s pageantry scene, where young contestants are increasingly using such platforms not only to showcase beauty and talent, but also to champion meaningful causes.
The Miss Born A Star initiative, in particular, has become known for nurturing young ambassadors who combine creativity, advocacy, and ambition. As the sisters prepare for the continental stage in Lesotho, expectations are high that they will not only represent Zimbabwe with pride, but also stand out as voices for their generation.
The Miss Born A Star Africa pageant will provide them with a larger platform to highlight issues such as education, empowerment, and the celebration of African identity.
Their participation also signals Zimbabwe’s growing presence in regional youth pageantry, where talent, confidence, and advocacy are becoming key markers of success.
For many observers, Agastear and Alexis embody the future of this evolving space, a platform where young people are empowered to lead, influence, and inspire.
Back home in Manicaland, their achievement has sparked excitement and admiration, with many viewing their success as a source of motivation for other young people.
