Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
MISS Tourism Zimbabwe, Zanele Moyo, says she was raised by a single mother who always taught her the values of hard work.
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub reporter, Gift Moyo (GM), caught up with the 23-year-old beauty queen in her hometown of Bulawayo.
This is the conversation:
GM: Can you tell us a bit about your childhood and how it shaped who you are today?
ZM: My childhood taught me resilience and gratitude. I grew up understanding the importance of hard work and staying true to yourself. I was raised by a single mother and that taught me to always work hard for what I want as nothing comes on a silver platter.
GM: What inspired you to begin this journey and pursue becoming a social figure like Miss Tourism Zimbabwe?
ZM: I’ve always been passionate about modelling and creating an impact in my community. I have seen how tourism can change lives and open opportunities, and I wanted to be part of that impact. Becoming Miss Tourism felt like the perfect platform to represent the country, celebrate our heritage, and use my voice to inspire others.
GM: What has been the most emotionally challenging part of the journey so far?
ZM: It has been balancing expectations from others and myself. There’s pressure to always show up as your best self, even on difficult days. But it’s also taught me strength, discipline, and how to stay grounded.
GM: How does being Miss Tourism Zimbabwe fit into your future plans?
ZM: It’s definitely a stepping stone. While it’s a huge honour and achievement, I see it as a platform that opens doors to bigger opportunities. My long-term vision is to create lasting impact, especially through community development and empowering young people.
GM: Beyond the crown and title, who is Zanele Moyo as a person?
ZM: At my core, I’m a very grounded and purpose-driven person. Zanele is an entrepreneur, running a business in print media and advertisement. I am also a philanthropist and I’m very passionate about the girl child and women empowerment, especially in the aspect of skills development.
GM: What does a typical day in your life look like before stepping into this role? ZM: Before this, my days were much simpler and more routine. I focused on my business and my studies. Now, everything is more dynamic and purpose-driven, with a lot more responsibility and visibility.
GM: How do you personally define success, beyond crowns and titles?
ZM: For me, success is about impact. It’s about knowing that I’ve made a difference in someone’s life, that I’ve inspired change, and that I’ve stayed true to who I am. If I can uplift others and leave a positive mark, that’s success.
GM: As you continue your journey as Miss Tourism, what do you hope people will remember you for?
ZM: I want to be remembered as someone who used her platform with purpose —someone who cared, who gave back, and who empowered others. Not just for wearing a crown, but for making a real difference.
Mathew Masinge