Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
TIRTY four models from Mashonaland East are vying for the sole ticket to represent the province at the Mr and Miss Rural Zimbabwe national finals, set for Heritage Village in Harare on September 27.
A brainchild of Sipho Mazibuko, the pageant returns after a long hiatus and seeks to empower rural models by boosting their confidence through grooming, etiquette and exposure to opportunities.
Mazibuko, who has already covered several provinces, said preparations were now at an advanced stage for the Mashonaland East provincial finals, which will be held at Murewa Culture Centre.
“The preparations have been going on since last year, and we are now more than ready for the provincial finals,” Mazibuko told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“We have a total of 34 contestants, with only two competing for Mr Rural, while the rest are vying for Miss Rural. We have very beautiful young women and handsome men taking part in the competition. As such, we will select a king and queen, as well as a prince and princess. We also made sure that all the districts are represented. It was not an easy task because we wanted pure rural talent, but we were assisted by local leadership in identifying the contestants.” Mazibuko said she was confident the provincial finals would produce capable representatives who could carry the province’s name with pride at the national event. “We are looking forward to a great contest as usual, and we don’t want to disappoint,” she said.
The pageant founder said preparations would continue beyond the provincial finals, with the contestants expected to attend a two-week boot camp ahead of the national finals. “We want to finish all the provincial finals and then go into a two-week boot camp.
“Afterwards, we will proceed to the finals, where Chief Dakamela will be our main adjudicator.
“We want the finals to be a memorable cultural showcase where all the 16 tribes of Zimbabwe will be fully represented at the event,” she said.
Mazibuko also assured modelling enthusiasts and cultural advocates that the event would provide a platform for local indigenous groups and musicians.
“We want to see local indigenous groups performing, as well as upcoming musicians. Our success story is Sandra Ndebe, whom we also gave a platform to perform at Miss Rural Zimbabwe.
“We want to repeat the same success as we host the 2026 edition.” She also revealed that Miss Rural Africa would be launched on September 27.
“We have invited all African ambassadors to be available as we seek to launch Miss Rural Africa.
“It will be a huge milestone for us as we go regional,” she said.
Mathew Masinge