Spotlight on Matabeleland North Mr & Miss Rural

THE search for Mr and Miss Rural Zimbabwe continues with a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring no child and no province is left behind. All eyes are now on Matabeleland North Province where the provincial finals will take place at the scenic Dakamela Village River site in Nkayi on November 2.

The Matabeleland North search follows the success of the Matabeleland South Provincial finals, which saw Yolanda Nkomo crowned as the province’s Miss Rural and Privilege Sibanda as the provincial Mr Rural.

Founder of the pageant, Sipho Mazibuko said the auditions for the Matabeleland North Province are still ongoing.

“We are still auditioning boys and girls who are willing to participate in the pageant. The pageant is open to all children aged between 18 and 25 who have been based in rural areas since birth. All participants should have at least five O-Level subjects or more, never been married and should have no children,” she said.

Mazibuko said she is working with the Ministry of Arts and Culture, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Vocational Training, and the Ministry of Women, who are actively involved in searching for the right contestants.

“I do not know if I will have a problem in getting the right contestants as was the case in Matabeleland South Province. Most of the girls get pregnant at 14 years forcing them to drop out of school hence I am keeping my fingers crossed.

“The finals for Matabeleland North will be different as we are zoning in on King Lobengula. According to Chief Dakamela, the venue is close to the site where King Lobengula disappeared. We are also incorporating a designer who will make attires out of grass,” said Mazibuko.

Chief Dakamela will be the host during the finals. In an interview, he said he will support the pageant as it is not only about empowering children but also empowers the community.

“The pageant is an excellent initiative, not only for the children but for the community at large.

“The children benefit not only in modelling but are also equipped with various skills such as presenting and they are also educated on drug and substance abuse as well as HIV and Aids.

“They are also trained in environmental awareness, which also benefits the community,” he said. Chief Dakamela said the pageant also serves to tell the story of rural areas and their beautiful landscapes.

“It is not only poverty found in rural areas; there is life there. Challenges faced by children in rural areas get to be addressed too. “Children also get to tell their story, which might motivate some people to invest in rural areas after realising the abundant talent.”

“I am mostly thrilled by the fact that the pageant gets to showcase the arts and culture and it gets to promote what could possibly be rural tourism, ” said Dakamela.
He said the pageant will also push traditional leaders, Government and other organisations to start economic projects for the rural child so that he or she does not leave the rural area in search of jobs in towns and cities.

Various artistes from Matabeleland North are set to perform during the finals. These include Sea Girl, Skhumz Moonwalker and ZheZhington. They will also be joined by some artists from Matabeleland South. Mazibuko is also considering inviting Harare artiste Killer T to perform on the day.