Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
NOMATTER SILIBELE MPOFU, affectionately known as Queen Belle Rural Rose, has always dreamt of being in the limelight for the right reasons. Recently, she was crowned Miss Rural Matabeleland South, earning the honour of representing the province at the national finals of the pageant.
Hailing from Mbondweni Village in Insiza District, Queen Belle Rural Rose is a poet and musician who celebrates rural beauty, culture, and women’s empowerment through her art.
Her debut on the runway was nothing short of impressive; she moved with the confidence of a seasoned model, effortlessly outshining her competitors to claim the provincial crown.
She now joins nine other provincial queens who will contest for the national title, including Musawenkosi Nkala from Tsholotsho (Matabeleland North) and Angeline Taruvanda from Chiredzi (Masvingo).
Proudly representing Filabusi, the beauty said the win was a dream come true and a chance to amplify the voices of young women from rural areas.
“Sometimes, rural artistes are underestimated or forgotten, but I’ve learnt to be my own biggest supporter and to push boundaries with the little I have.
“To me, this crown represents every girl who walks barefoot but carries dreams taller than mountains. Being queen is not just about being seen, it’s about being heard and making others feel seen too.
“This crown doesn’t just fit my head, it belongs to every heart and soul I stand for,” she said.
The queen hailed the pageant organisers for the initiative.
“This is a wonderful opportunity, and it was my first time modelling. I’m grateful to the organisers for creating a platform where children from rural areas can showcase their talent.”
She credited her grandparents, Councillor Daniel Dube and Lucy Dube, for their support and inspiration throughout her journey.
“Their guidance has been my light. It’s a legacy I’ll forever hold onto,” she said.
On what inspired her to try modelling, she said: “Growing up in a rural area, I rarely saw people who looked like me on TV or in magazines — girls with natural beauty, dark skin, traditional clothes and strong cultural values. That inspired me to become the face and voice of girls like me. I joined modelling not just to wear a crown, but to represent the pride, potential, and purpose of rural girls.”
She added that her motivation stemmed from a desire to change the narrative.
“I wanted to show that you don’t have to come from the city or be famous to be confident, beautiful and successful.
Our rural lifestyle teaches resilience, humility, creativity and hard work, qualities that make a true queen.
“Beyond that, I want to empower the next generation of rural girls to believe in themselves, take up space and shine unapologetically. Modelling gives me a platform to walk with pride, speak with purpose and show that rural girls can rise and lead with grace.”— @mthabisi_mthire
