Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
The search for this year’s Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe (MTOUZ) took a detour to Bulawayo, where a number of models auditioned at House of Lumiere on Saturday.
Having previously toured Gweru, MTOUZ shifted its focus to the City of Kings. The adjudicating panel featured Joanne Peters, operations director at Open Eye Studios Modelling Agency; Mavis Koslek, MTOUZ deputy national director and Midlands provincial director; Zanele Moyo, Bulawayo provincial director and male model Melusi Mlauzi.
From the auditioning lot, Zibusiso Salome, Thandeka Mpofu, Ciara Mkwebu, Tavimbanyasha Dombo, Shalom Geza, Tadiwa Mutopo, and Mayibongwe Ngwenya made the cut.
The pageant’s Bulawayo provincial director Zanele Moyo acknowledged the low turnout of models for auditions but praised the dedication shown.
“The attendance could have been better but I’m glad we managed to hold auditions on Saturday. I was impressed by the girls’ dedication and commitment to the cause — being advocates for the girl child. Of course, some are still rough around the edges, but as provincial directors, our role is to guide them and help elevate their modelling careers,” she said.
A jubilant Thandeka Mpofu expressed her excitement after making the cut.
“I’m thrilled to have been chosen to represent Matabeleland South. At first, I doubted myself after seeing the competition and almost backed out, but my mother encouraged me to continue. As an advocate for GBV awareness and body positivity, I want to remind my peers never to doubt themselves — they are beautiful just as they are,” she said.
Equally elated, Fiona Mpofu, Thandeka’s mother, shared her pride in her daughter’s achievement, revealing that she was a model herself.
“I’m so proud of Thandeka for following in my footsteps. I used to model in school, and I fully support models. This is a career where she can thrive. Since I understand the challenges that come with it, I’ll be there to guide her,” she said.
MTOUZ will continue its search for the next queen, with castings set to take place in other provinces. The Top 20 finalists will be revealed on March 28, followed by a boot camp from July 22 to 27. The grand finale is scheduled for July 26.
Now in its third edition, the pageant will be held under the theme “Empowering the Girl Child by Promoting Culture and Heritage Towards Vision 2030”.
This year’s event continues the legacy of last year’s queen, Victoria Ncube, who was crowned Miss Teen of the Universe Africa and also earned the Miss Photogenic title at the Miss Teen of the Universe pageant held India. —@MbuleloMpofu
