Online Reporter
Sipepisiwe Moyo, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
WHILE other contestants were busy perfecting their wardrobes and practising their walks, Daphne Maluleke from Chiredzi, Masvingo Province, was hard at work turning her roots into revenue. With an enterprising spirit, she brought one of the province’s treasured delicacies — roasted mbeva/mbeba (field mice) — to the Miss and Mr Rural Zimbabwe pageant, proving that beauty and brains truly go hand in hand.
Maluleke, one of the finalists, who took to the ramp at a hotel in Masvingo on Saturday, saw the event as more than just a platform to showcase her modelling talent and cultural pride. Recognising the large audience it attracted, she set up a table to sell her delicacy alongside other vendors.
Her business instincts paid off handsomely. The roasted mbeva sold out quickly, with Clever Chingwara, Director of Economic Development in Masvingo, purchasing most of the stock and sharing it with other attendees.
As if her entrepreneurial success wasn’t enough, luck and talent were also on her side that evening. Maluleke was crowned Miss Rural Zimbabwe Masvingo Province Queen, walking away not only with the crown but also the Best Personality title. She was joined on the podium by Lydies Mutahna (First Princess) and Angeline Taruvanda (Second Princess).
Filled with emotion, Maluleke thanked her supporters and vowed to represent Masvingo with pride at the national finals.
“I’m short of words and happy at the same time. This is something I didn’t expect as the competition was stiff,” she said.
She said that winning the title had strengthened her confidence and ambitions.
“I have high hopes of securing the national crown, and I am grateful to the pageant founder, Sipho Mazibuko, for giving rural contestants like me an opportunity to be seen and heard,” Maluleke said.
On the men’s side, Lovemore Mapfura from Chivi South was crowned Mr Rural Zimbabwe Masvingo Province King. He was followed by Simbarashe Mugwinyi of Gutu East (First Prince) and Aleck Chibaya, also from Gutu East (Second Prince).
Mapfura reflected on how the pageant had changed his outlook:
“Being part of the pageant has helped me and other contestants in a big way as we’ve learnt a lot since we were selected. I never thought it was possible for a rural boy like me to be in front of people and top Government officials under the same roof. That alone is a miracle for me.”
He pledged to use his platform to uplift other youths.
“If I win the national contest, I’ll ensure I empower other youths and help them start income-generating programmes so that they stay away from drugs,” he said.
The pageant celebrated Zimbabwe’s rural culture through outfits made from national dress fabric, as well as performances of traditional dances, singing, and clan totem recitations.
Representing the Minister of State for Masvingo Province, Ezra Chadzamira, was Clever Chingwara, who commended the pageant.
“This pageant promotes our rich and diverse culture, highlighting the traditional attire, music, and dance that define our heritage. It is a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and what we stand for as Zimbabweans. By promoting our culture, we are preserving our identity and passing it on to future generations. As a government, we are committed to supporting initiatives that empower our youth and give them a voice,” he said.
Pageant founder Sipho Mazibuko shared how Maluleke’s story deeply moved her.
“Miss Rural Zimbabwe Masvingo is a girl who didn’t even know her own town of Chiredzi and never finished school because her family is underprivileged. She brought imbeba to sell at the pageant — more than 200 of the delicacy — and they all sold out! What more empowerment do I need? Just her tears were enough for me. I even cried with her and held her while she took it all in,” Mazibuko said.
The evening was filled with lively performances. Bulawayo-based Kay Kid uMfanomsotho had the crowd singing along to his energetic set, while Vadamburi Express, representing Masvingo, kept attendees dancing with their Sungura music and dazzling choreography.
The fashion showcase was another highlight, with local designers creating stunning modern designs using national dress fabric. Nyashadzishe Rushwaya’s designs topped the judges’ rankings, followed by creations from Nolly B.
