Miss and Mr. Rural Masvingo set for nail biting finale

MILLICENT HUNGWE

Fifteen rural models from various districts in Masvingo Province will compete in the prestigious Miss and Mr. Rural Zimbabwe Masvingo Provincial finals on July 19, at the iconic Urban Lifestyle Hotel.

The Midweek Watch confirmed that this event aims to promote rural talent, celebrate culture, and help young people fight drugs and substance abuse.

The pageant was founded by Sipho Mazibuko to uplift rural youths and provide them with opportunities in the cut throat modelling industry.

Mental Voices Trust officially welcomed 15 models, 12 females and 3 males on July 16 at Benjamin Burombo, ahead of the provincial finals.

The contestants hail from Mwenezi, Gutu, Chivi, Masvingo Rural, and Chiredzi districts.

The contestants, aged 18 to 25, all have rural backgrounds. None are students, married, or have children, and all wear dresses with a maximum size of 38.

Masvingo Provincial Coordinator Samuel Mughonde said the initiative also aims to keep young people away from drug abuse by engaging them in positive activities like modelling.

Camping for the contestants is being held at Great Zimbabwe Hotel, where they are receiving training in cultural wear, stage presence, natural braiding, and traditional makeup featuring cultural symbols like the Hungwe bird.

National Pageant Manager Tavakanashe Sithole emphasized that the training will help contestants build confidence and pursue talent-driven careers.

One of the contestants, Lovemore Mapfura Nyanyira from Chivi South, expressed pride in representing his rural area and promised to share what he learns with others back home.

The top three winners will advance to the national finals in September, at a venue that will celebrate Zimbabwean rural culture.