New pageant, Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe launched

A new modelling pageant, Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe, has been launched in the country’s second-largest city, reinforcing its status as a cultural and creative hub.

This beauty contest, distinct from Miss Teen Universe Zimbabwe, is set to take place on August 3 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre Hall 2.

During a recent press conference, Chidadiso Francisca Mbazo, the public relations officer for Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe, spoke on behalf of the pageant’s chairperson, Nokuthaba Manungo.

Mbazo said the pageant is affiliated with the international Miss Teen of the Universe, founded in India by pageant director Sourav Anad.
“Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe is a new pageant affiliated with the Miss Teen of the Universe founded in India by Mr Sourav Anad. The pageant caters to girls aged 15 to 20.

We saw it fit to affiliate with such a wonderful pageant, as many local pageants in Zimbabwe neglect teenage girls and focus more on older and mature participants,” said Mbazo.

He said the pageant, which has begun conducting auditions online, aims to increase the visibility of Zimbabwean culture on an international stage.

“The main aim of the pageant is to promote our country’s heritage and culture on the international tourism stage. We’re running the pageant under the Presidential philosophy ‘nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanini balo’, in line with Vision 2030.

We also aim to impact the fight against drug and substance abuse, gender-based violence, early child marriages and depression.”

“Participants must be Zimbabwean citizens who have never been married, hold a Zimbabwean passport and have no history of nude or sexual videos.
Models must bring a parent or guardian to boot camp activities and the winner will be accompanied by a director and a parent to the international competition,” Mbazo said.

He called on corporates, individuals and artistes to partner with the pageant.
“We have secured an executive stylist, Mimmie Tshuma, a force in the fashion industry. We also have Apphia Nyasha Musavengana, who has made significant impacts in helping women grow their businesses through her social project.”

Looking ahead, the organisers hope to introduce the pageant to male models and expand modelling activities across the country. Interested models can apply online, with physical auditions also set to be held in various cities and towns. —@mthabisi_mthire