Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
Shamiso Chitopo from Bulilima District has become an inspiration in Matabeleland South province after excelling in both sport and modelling.
Growing up, she trained with a homemade javelin made from a stick and cloth, and despite having no proper equipment, she went on to break district records and represent her province at the National Youth Games.
During the competitions, Shamiso also tried modelling. Encouraged by her peers, she entered the contest during the National Youth and Paralympics Games in the Miss Youth Games 2026 pageant.
The judges were impressed not only by her poise but by her passion for education and girls in sport.
According to official results, the event was named Culture Day. In the Traditional Dance category, Bulawayo came out on top, with Matabeleland North province getting position two, while Harare was in third position. Mashonaland East and Central were ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.
In the Mr Youth Games 2026 contest, Bulawayo took position one, followed by Mashonaland East and Matabeleland North province in positions two and three. Harare province was named in position four, while Mashonaland Central took position five.
For Miss Youth 2026, Matabeleland South province came out on top through Chitopo, who outshone competitors from Bulawayo and Mashonaland East who took first princess and second princess crowns respectively.
Harare province continued with their dominance in the winners list by coming in position four, while Mashonaland Central took fifth position.
Chitopo was crowned the Miss Youth Games 2026 Queen, bringing pride to her village, district and province.
She said that, with only a year having been on the catwalk, she is planning to take a further step towards the art.
“I started practising modelling when I was at school last year during the Schools Annual Science Sports and Arts Festival (SASSAF),” she said.
“Recently, when we were in Gwanda during camping, they asked us if we were interested in modelling, and then they said I had confidence, and that is when they selected me to go and model at Marondera representing Matabeleland South.
“Winning at the national competition has inspired me to try this at a professional level; you never know what I might be able to achieve.”
Through her win, Chitopo said she will use her title to advocate for better sports facilities in rural schools and to mentor younger girls.
“I believe that my story shows that with determination, a rural girl can shine in sport, on stage and in her community,” said Chitopo.
