Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
THE die is cast and the spotlight is intensifying as the nation holds its collective breath for the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2026 Grand Finale on April 11 in Harare. In this high-stakes theatre of beauty and brains, Bulawayo has found a powerful ambassador in 22-year-old dynamo, Zanele Moyo.
Selected as one of the prestigious Top 15 national finalists, Moyo isn’t just competing for a crown; she is carrying the pride, heritage, and untapped potential of Zimbabwe’s second city onto the national stage with the grace of a seasoned diplomat and the fire of a true visionary.
Moyo, already adorned with the title of Miss Uhuru Zimbabwe 2025, is no stranger to the shimmering world of pageantry. Her journey boasts impressive accolades, including a runner-up finish in The Zimbabwean Queen and a foray into the international arena through Miss Teen Universe.
Transitioning from tentative appearances in 2022 to a fully-fledged professional model in 2024, her trajectory has been marked by a steady, purposeful growth that suggests she is a woman who knows exactly where she is going. Yet, reaching the national finale of Miss Tourism Zimbabwe holds a distinct, soulful significance for the Bulawayo native that transcends the mere glitz of the runway.
“Reaching the Top 15 of Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2026 feels very special to me. This time, I am not only competing as an individual, but I am proudly representing Bulawayo, a city with a rich cultural heritage and strong identity,” she shared in an exclusive interview, her voice resonating with a deep-seated provincial pride.
She contrasts her past experiences with the gravity of her current mission, noting that while she has walked these boards before, the stakes have shifted.
“Having competed in international and national pageants before, I have grown in confidence, discipline, and purpose, but this platform feels different because it allows me to promote my home and tell our story as a people.
Bulawayo has shaped who I am, and standing on this stage gives me the opportunity to showcase our history, our creativity, and our tourism potential to the whole nation and beyond.”
Moyo’s assertion of representing the indomitable spirit of Bulawayo is deeply rooted in a multifaceted life that extends far beyond the flashbulbs and the velvet walk. She is the very embodiment of the driven, modern
Zimbabwean woman — a natural leader whose foundation was laid early as Senior Prefect at Founders High School.
Today, she seamlessly juggles roles that would exhaust the less determined: she is an entrepreneur owning a thriving print media and branding business, a celebrated model, and a passionate advocate for the rights of women and girls.
It is this unique blend of commercial acumen and social conscience, she believes, that equips her for the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe mantle.
“Wearing different hats has taught me responsibility, discipline, and the importance of serving people. As an entrepreneur in print media and branding, I understand the power of communication and how important it is to present a positive image, which is very important in tourism,” she said, drawing a direct line between the boardroom and the tourism board.
She highlighted the profound impact of her current title, noting that “Being Miss Uhuru Zimbabwe 2025 taught me leadership and community service, because the title came with the responsibility to represent young women and to be involved in outreach programmes. My advocacy for women and girls’ rights has also taught me to use my voice with purpose. All these experiences have prepared me to handle the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe platform with maturity, professionalism, and a heart for the people.”
This fierce advocacy is central to her vision, and she perceives a powerful synergy between the empowerment of the marginalised and the promotion of the nation. For Moyo, tourism isn’t merely a matter of scenic landscapes or the lush verdure of nature; it is about the living, breathing people who bring those places to life.
“Tourism is not only about places, but about people. When women and young girls are empowered, they become active participants in the tourism industry as entrepreneurs, artists, guides, and cultural ambassadors,” she boldly stated.
She connects this philosophy directly to her own grassroots initiatives.
“My advocacy work focuses on giving young women confidence, education, and opportunities, so that they can also benefit from the tourism sector.”
This philosophy is actively embodied in “Project Discover Bulawayo”, her brainchild aimed at uncovering and nurturing local talent in the shadows of the city’s historic architecture.
“This is where my initiative, ‘Project Discover Bulawayo’, comes in. Through this project, I aim to promote local businesses, cultural sites, food, and hidden gems in the city, while also creating a platform where young creatives and entrepreneurs, especially women, can be seen and supported. In this way, tourism becomes a tool for empowerment and community development.”
Her entrepreneurial acumen provides another crucial advantage in this endeavour; as the head of a branding firm, Moyo possesses an intimate understanding of the art of the sell — a vital skill for any tourism ambassador in the digital age.
She has clear plans to leverage this expertise to put her hometown on the global map.
“As someone who owns a print media and branding business, I understand that visibility is everything,” she acknowledged, with the pragmatism of a CEO. “A place can be beautiful, but if it is not marketed properly, people will never know about it.”
Her strategy is refreshingly forward-thinking, intended to bridge the gap between tradition and the TikTok generation.
“During the competition and beyond, I plan to use my skills in branding, digital marketing, and content creation to highlight Bulawayo in a modern and attractive way, especially to young people and international audiences. Through campaigns, social media storytelling, and collaborations with local businesses, I want to show that Bulawayo is not only historic, but also vibrant, creative, and worth visiting.”
Looking towards the grand finale in Harare, Moyo believes her proactive approach and existing track record set her apart from the field.
“What sets me apart is that I already started the work before the crown. Through my community work, my business, and ‘Project Discover Bulawayo’, I have been actively promoting my city and empowering young people.”
Her vision for the title, should she win, is ambitious and rooted in tangible, national impact.
“If I am crowned Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, I would prioritise expanding Project Discover Bulawayo into a national initiative that highlights different cities and communities, while also continuing my outreach work with orphanages and peer education programmes.”
Her guiding principle remains steadfast: “I believe the title should not only be about wearing a crown, but about creating impact, opening opportunities, and leaving something meaningful behind for the next generation.”
From the disciplined corridors of Founders High to the expansive horizon of a national finalist, leadership and mentorship are woven into the very DNA of Zanele Moyo. Her journey, rising with grit and determination from the classrooms of her youth, carries a powerful message she hopes will resonate in every corner of Zimbabwe.
“My journey is proof that where you start does not limit where you can go. I come from the dust, being a Senior Prefect at Founders High School, to working as a peer educator, to becoming an entrepreneur and now a national finalist, every step taught me discipline, courage, and belief in myself. To young girls and entrepreneurs in Bulawayo and across Zimbabwe, I want to say: ‘Do not be afraid to dream big, even if your path looks different from others. Stay consistent, stay humble, and never forget your purpose.’”
Ultimately, her aspiration is not found in the weight of the metal on her head, but in the lives she touches.
“If my journey inspires even one young girl to believe that she can lead, create, and represent her community with pride, then I know I am already fulfilling my purpose.”
