Mbulelo Mpofu [email protected]
REIGNING Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2026 Zanele Moyo says showcasing the Zuvva Heritage Collection at the Diplomatic Spouses Association of Zimbabwe (DSA) Fourth Annual Diplomatic Charity Bazaar highlighted the role of fashion in promoting the country’s cultural identity and tourism.
Held in Harare on October 17 under the theme “Together We Give, Together We Grow”, the event brought together diplomats, international organisations, businesses and local communities for cultural exchange and charitable giving.
Among the guests was Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi.
Moyo walked the runway in designs from the Zuvva Heritage Collection, using the platform to showcase Zimbabwean heritage-inspired fashion to an international audience.
She described the experience as an opportunity to advance her role as the country’s tourism ambassador while celebrating local creativity and cultural identity.
“Last week, I had the privilege of attending the DSA Charity Bazaar, where I showcased the Zuvva Heritage Collection on the runway. The event brought together various dignitaries, cultural exhibitors and creatives celebrating diversity, fashion and cultural heritage. It was an honour for me to do the catwalk in front of such important people,” said Moyo.
She said meeting Minister Rwodzi connected her work as a model with her responsibilities as Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2026.
Moyo added that fashion could be an effective tool for communicating Zimbabwe’s cultural stories and traditions to wider audiences.
“For me, this was a memorable moment, not only as a model representing a Zimbabwean heritage-inspired fashion collection, but also as Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2026, a title that allows me to champion Zimbabwe’s tourism, culture and heritage.
“The encounter highlighted how fashion can serve as a powerful medium for telling our stories, celebrating our identity and bringing our cultural heritage to the attention of influential people and wider audiences,” Moyo said.
Beyond her interaction with Minister Rwodzi, Moyo also met Pakistan’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Muhammad Amjad Aziz Qazi, and Botswana’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Sarah Sithabile Molosiwa.
The engagements offered an opportunity to connect Zimbabwean heritage-inspired fashion with members of the diplomatic community, reinforcing the potential of cultural showcases to complement tourism promotion.
Through design, textiles and runway presentation, fashion can provide a platform for celebrating the country’s cultural influences while introducing them to international audiences.
Moyo’s participation at the bazaar also linked her pageant title to the broader task of promoting Zimbabwe’s cultural identity and tourism appeal.
Meanwhile, organisers of Miss Tourism International have announced a change of venue and dates for the global pageant.
The competition, which was initially expected to take place in China in July, will now be held in the Philippines from November 25 to December 7, with the grand finale scheduled for December 5.
Ahead of the international competition, Moyo will host a send-off fundraising dinner in Bulawayo on November 21.
—@MbuleloMpofu
