STRAIGHT OUT OF LA, THE CITY OF ANGELS

Gift Moyo

WHEN the finalists for the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 pageant were unveiled, one contestant immediately stood out from the crowd.

While many of the contestants embraced glamorous hairstyles and weaves commonly associated with beauty pageants, Nomaqhikiza Mokoni, a beauty raised between Gwanda and Bulawayo, arrived with a clean-shaven head, confidently embracing her natural look.

Her appearance quickly became a talking point among pageant followers and social media users, with many praising her authenticity and confidence.

She is based in Los Angeles, United States.

“The future Miss Universe is here, most definitely,” wrote one admirer, echoing the sentiments of many Zimbabweans who saw her look as a refreshing departure from traditional pageantry expectations.

Commenting on her natural appearance, Mokoni said she believes authenticity remains the most powerful form of beauty.

“I don’t believe the colour of your skin, your natural features or your hairstyle should ever make you feel less worthy or less beautiful.

“For me, beauty becomes most powerful when a woman fully owns who she is instead of constantly trying to become someone else. “Authenticity always carries a stronger presence than imitation.”

Her appearance has sparked conversations about beauty standards and the pressure many women face to conform to certain ideals in fashion and pageantry.

However, Mokoni believes one of the biggest misconceptions about pageantry is society’s tendency to focus on outward appearance while overlooking the character, experiences and resilience of the woman behind the crown.

“People often focus on what they can immediately see, but very rarely ask about the thinking, emotional growth, resilience, faith and perspective behind the woman standing in front of them.

“I wish more people asked women how they truly feel, what shaped them emotionally, what they’ve survived quietly, what keeps them grounded or how they continue growing through life.

“There is always so much more depth behind what is visible externally.”

Competing for the Miss Universe Zimbabwe title has also changed how she views herself.

“This journey has reminded me that sometimes people can see strength, leadership or potential in you before you fully recognise it within yourself.

“It has shown me how deeply meaningful representation can be and reminded me that visibility carries responsibility and impact,” she said.

Should she win the crown, Mokoni says she intends to use her platform to tackle issues affecting young girls in Zimbabwe, particularly self-worth, educational access and unrealistic beauty standards.

“Too many young girls grow up believing their value is attached only to appearance, validation or survival rather than possibility, intelligence, leadership or purpose.

“There are conversations we still need to have more honestly around mentorship, protection, opportunity and emotional well being for young girls.”

As one of the favourites heading into Saturday’s Miss Universe Zimbabwe finale in Harare, Mokoni admits that public support has brought both excitement and responsibility. “I would be lying if I said I don’t feel the pressure. When people believe in you so openly and passionately, you naturally feel a responsibility to represent them well.

“But more than pressure, what I feel most is gratitude. For a long time, I was used to building quietly and independently, so receiving this level of support has been deeply emotional and humbling for me.

“It reminds me that this journey is no longer only about personal ambition, it has now become something much bigger than myself,” she said.

Rather than allowing expectations to overwhelm her, Mokoni says she uses them as motivation to remain authentic and purposeful. Her confidence, she says, was shaped by strong women around her, particularly her family and community.

“My sister, family and the women in my community played an important role in shaping me.

“Watching the women around me taught me resilience, humility, dignity, strength and the importance of carrying yourself with self-respect regardless of circumstances.”

Life itself also became a teacher.

“Working different jobs, becoming a mother, relocating across countries and rebuilding myself in unfamiliar spaces also shaped the woman I am today.

“Those experiences taught me softness without weakness, confidence without arrogance and grace under pressure.”

Beyond her striking appearance lies a woman with an impressive international profile.

Based in the City of Angeles in the United States, Mokoni is a full-time fashion model represented by three reputable modelling agencies.

She also mentors more than 200 aspiring models around the world, helping them build professional portfolios and compete at the highest levels of the industry.

Away from modelling, she is involved in philanthropy through a charity initiative that supports children in rural communities with essential resources.

As the countdown to the Miss Universe Zimbabwe finale continues, Mokoni remains committed to staying true to herself, regardless of the outcome.

“I hope I would be brave enough to use my voice, create impact beyond appearances and open doors for others.

“Titles eventually fade, but how you make people feel and the lives you impact last much longer than crowns.”