Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SEASONED pageant expert Wilbert Rukato asserts that the standards for scouting and grooming models to represent Zimbabwe internationally have significantly declined.
He attributes this decline to the presence of inexperienced instructors who are training these models.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Rukato stated that the industry has been “hijacked” by individuals resembling a mafia, who lack a proper understanding of the profession.
“It’s sad that Zimbabwe has not been making an impression on the global scene when it comes to international pageants like Miss World and Miss Universe among other reputable modelling contests.
“The quality of models we are getting from the current crop modelling instructors is quite shocking. As a seasoned modelling trainer with grooming experience, I always ask myself where are these models coming from,” queried Rukato.
“It’s sad that the models we have now don’t know how to sit, stand, or even answer questions. Most of them are making it to the international stage due to powerful connections and wealthy sponsors, rather than on merit,” stated Rukato.
The affable modelling instructor called for the formalisation and regulation of the sector.
“For pageantry to be taken seriously and to create employment, there should be a board regulating the sector to ensure that there are no shortcuts regarding grooming and etiquette.
“We should belong to a specific ministry where our operations can be regulated.
“We can’t have people masquerading as modeling instructors ruining the industry on our watch,” he emphasised.
Rukato believes modelling agents should be registered with relevant ministries to ensure that normalcy and professionalism prevail.
“Modelling should be conducted properly, where all instructors go through vetting to ensure that bad apples are flushed out.
“Parents or guardians should not hesitate when their children decide to pursue pageantry as a career.
“We need to learn from other countries like South Africa, where models’ welfare, safety, and progress are consistently monitored,” he stressed.
Rukato also expressed his dismay at the number of models being sexually assaulted and exploited due to the lack of proper promoter grooming.
“I have been receiving numerous reports of models being sexually abused or being used for free by some individuals masquerading as sponsors or international scouts.
“This shocking trend has been ongoing for years, but we cannot afford to remain silent while the industry is suffering.
“It goes back to the issue of professionalism, as bogus instructors continue to prey on the vulnerable,” asserted Rukato.
Despite the declining standards, Rukato, who has been in the industry for over 20 years as a grooming expert, has vowed not to give up.
“To be honest, I won’t abandon modelling because it is a career I love and passionately follow. To ensure that we rescue the industry, I have initiated a movement called Modelling Watchdog Industries of Zimbabwe, aimed at improving the welfare of models.
“It’s a voluntary organisation where we provide free advice, counselling and grooming to models,” he said. He emphasised that his passion drives him to start this movement.
“I have been in this industry for years, and I can’t stand by and watch this decline continue.
“I developed this new movement after receiving numerous complaints from both active and retired models.
“After observing the new trend where standards have significantly dropped, I challenged my team that it’s never too late for us to revive the sector.”
Rukato also expressed his desire to work with new modeling instructors.
“My door is always open to ensure that we develop the sector together.
“It’s something I have been yearning for, but I will always emphasise the need for professionalism among stakeholders.
“We can only improve the sector through unity, collaboration, and networking, which has been lacking due to big egos and arrogance,” he said.
Rukato’s observations come at a time when the sector faces numerous challenges, including abuse of models, exploitation, and lack of grooming.
Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Miss World Zimbabwe, Miss Rural Zimbabwe, and Miss Heritage are some of the reputable pageants generating significant interest in the local scene.
Talent is abundant in pageantry, but much still needs to be done to ensure that it is properly regulated.
