Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
BULAWAYO based model Zanele Moyo is the 2026 Miss Tourism Zimbabwe after beating other 12 contestants at the grand finale held in Harare on April 11.
The pageant highlights Zimbabwean beauty, heritage and tourism and was held under the theme, “See Zimbabwe First and Zimbabwe’s ideal Miss”.
Participating models were namely Lisa Kwainona, Beautify Siziba, Vimbainashe Mutyavaviri, Zanele Moyo, Rutendo Magade, Zandile Sibanda, Ropafadzo P Manyanga, Alexis Thuthani, Ruvarashe Jane Darare, Miriraiishe Magebede, Petronella Phiri, Letween Pikire, Noxolo Dube, Kathleen Chaziya, Mavhu Alexandra Kaseke and Silence Tadzembwa.
With over four years on the ramp, Moyo affectionally known as Jewel in the modelling industry, continues to shine yearly, winning back-to-back pageants.
“I’ve been modelling professionally for just over 4 years now. I started at 18, not just for the runway, but because I saw modelling as a platform to tell bigger stories. For me, it was never about the photos alone — it was about confidence, representation and using visibility to open doors for advocacy.
“Over the years, that’s grown into pageantry, commercial work, and now, serving as Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2026. Every step has been about learning how to carry myself, and my country, with purpose.
“I was honoured to be crowned Miss Uhuru Zimbabwe 2025. That reign taught me that a crown is not a finish line — it’s a starting point. It gave me the foundation to launch Project Discover Zimbabwe, deepen my philanthropy work with orphanages and grow as a peer educator for girls and women.
“Each title has been a building block. Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2026 isn’t just another win — it’s a bigger responsibility, and I’m ready all the responsibilities it comes with,” said Jewel.
She said her reign is built on three pillars namely Promote, Include and Preserve.
“I’ll use my platform and my print business to market Zimbabwe’s hidden gems — from Matopos to Binga — so tourism benefits communities, not just cities. I’m launching ‘See Your Country First’ to help school children and low-income families experience our heritage sites, because you can’t be proud of what you’ve never seen.
“I’ll work with cultural dance groups, hymn groups and traditional leaders to ensure our heritage is shared with respect, and that the custodians benefit directly. The crown lasts a year. The impact shouldn’t. I want my reign to build systems that outlive my sashy,” said Jewel.
Recently, the 22-year-old attended the Imiklomelo KaDakamela Awards which she says was a career success in her art.
“I’m not originally from Dakamela, but Zimbabwe is my home — every village, every district. Being part of the Dakamela event was a reminder of why I do this work. It was powerful: the culture, the unity, the pride in our traditions. For me, showing up wasn’t about geography — it was about solidarity.
“As Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, my duty is to celebrate and uplift all our cultural expressions, not just the ones near me. Dakamela showed me again that our heritage is alive, and it deserves a global stage. I left inspired, and even more committed to making sure the world sees what I saw there,” she said.
Jewel who is inspired by Miss South Africa 2020 Shudufhadzo Musida said she wants to use modelling to change the lives of many girls and women.
“Musida inspires me because she represents a kind of beauty that goes beyond appearance. I admire how she used her platform to speak about mental health, education and self-acceptance and how she stayed true to who she is even when she was different from what people expected a beauty queen to look like.
“She inspires me to be a woman of purpose, not just a woman of the crown. As someone who is passionate about community development, entrepreneurship, and promoting my city Bulawayo through tourism and media, I relate to her courage to use her voice to make an impact,” said Jewel.
She said that a queen is not chosen only for how she looks, but for how she leads, how she serves and how she represents her people with pride
“The most challenging part of my artistic journey has been learning to believe in my vision even when others did not fully understand it. I have had moments where progress felt slow and support was limited.
“However, those challenges taught me discipline, patience and confidence in my purpose. I learned that being a model is not only about talent, but about consistency, courage and the willingness to keep creating even when the results are not immediate,” she said.
Jewel said that part of her journey shaped her into a stronger and more focused woman.
“It is the reason I am able to stand here today with a clear vision of how I want to use creativity to promote tourism, culture, and my community. One thing I have not yet achieved in my artistic journey is representing my country on an international stage.
“As a creative and a model, I dream of walking for global platforms such as Milan Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and even working with international brands like Vogue.
“However, I see this not as something I failed to achieve, but as something I am still working towards. My journey in art, media, and pageantry has taught me that growth takes time, and every step I take now is preparing me for those global opportunities,” said Jewel.
Jewel said she wants to reach that level not only for herself but to represent Zimbabwean talent, culture and creativity to the world and to show that young artists from my country can stand confidently on international stages.
“My plans for this year are centered around growth, impact, and representation. I am working towards expanding my creative journey through my media and digital marketing work at Spectrum Creative Studio, while also growing the Discover Bulawayo project to promote tourism, culture, and local businesses.
“I also plan to continue building my artistic career by improving my skills, working with bigger brands, and preparing myself for opportunities that can allow me to represent Zimbabwe on international platforms in the future,” said Jewel.
Mathew Masinge