Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
A RURAL beauty pageant aimed at discovering and nurturing young modelling talent has been launched in Ndolwane, Bulilima District, bringing a platform usually associated with urban centres to local schools.
The Youth Visionary Modelling Show was held under the banner, “Inter-Schools Modelling Competition for Primary and Secondary Schools”, bringing together pupils from Ndolwane, Makhulela, Butshe, Tsukuru and Huwana primary schools, as well as Zenzele and Tjemahale secondary schools.
The competition featured three categories: sportswear, which highlighted physical fitness and style; traditional wear, which celebrated Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity; and casual wear.
The event, attended by legendary musician Martin, lead singer of Ndolwane Super Sounds, was held under the theme, “We Say No to Early Pregnancy and Drug Abuse”.
In the primary schools girls’ category, Sithembinkosi Moyo of Makhulela Primary School was crowned queen, with Koziba Ncube of Zuzaphi Primary School and Angela Sola of Ndolwane Primary School finishing as first and second princesses respectively.
At secondary school level, Naledi Nyathi of Zenzele Secondary School won the girls’ category. Try Moyo of Tjemahale Secondary School was named first princess, while her schoolmate Britney Moyo took the second princess position.
In the primary schools boys’ category, Nkosenhle Sibindi of Ndolwane Primary School was crowned king, while Mlamuli Ndlovu of Huwana Primary School was named first prince.
Methembe Moyo of Zenzele Secondary School won the secondary schools boys’ category. Tjemahale Secondary School claimed the first and second prince positions through Yakhani Moyo and Melvin Moyo respectively.
The initiative was organised by Masiza Investment, with Teekay Mxoexic and Maprie serving as curators. It was supported by Nkanyezi Foundation Aid, Msilas Send Money, Mhlekazi Logistics and Twins Company.
Teekay Mxoexic said the pageant was designed to encourage learners to take their education seriously while exploring their talents through the creative arts.
“We have launched this pageant to motivate young people to focus on building a better future. We also raised awareness about substance abuse, early pregnancy, cancer and other important issues.
We awarded the winners and gave tokens of appreciation to every participant.
“Schools already have academic and sporting competitions, so we have created a platform where learners can showcase their confidence, creativity, talent and culture through modelling. The show aims to build self-esteem and preserve our traditional values,” said Teekay Mxoexic.
Maprie said the project sought to develop learners’ confidence, identify rural modelling talent and encourage positive choices.
“Our objectives include building confidence and public speaking skills among learners, identifying and nurturing modelling and entertainment talent in rural communities, promoting unity among schools and keeping learners away from drug abuse through positive activities. We also want to empower the girl child and prevent early pregnancies.
“Through this pageant, we want learners to become more confident, celebrate their culture, understand the dangers of drug abuse and early pregnancy, and discover their talents,” said Maprie.
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