By Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
The Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister, Nqobizita Mangaliso Ndlovu has endorsed the return of Miss Rural Zimbabwe following a decade long sabbatical.
The pageant was founded by fashion and beauty therapist, also a veteran model instructor, Sipho Mazibuko back in 2003.
However, its major event was last held in Kariba back in 2006, to date, this marks exactly 14 years of its inexistence.
Nevertheless, plans to see a possible return of the beauty contest are already underway, following a launch which was held this past weekend in Bulawayo.
The launch was held to ensure that all the preparations are in place, prior to the initial competitions which are lined up for all the country’s 10 provinces.
In a statement read by the minister of tourism, Ndlovu’s representative, the government offical applauded the return of the initiative.
He also said the commencement of one of the highly recognised pageant in the country will benefit the tourism industry, economic development and also social cohesion.
“I feel honoured and privileged to be amongst you today at this momentous occassion, where we witness the return of Miss Rural and welcome the new Mr Rural pageant.
“Let me hasten to say this is a most welcome development as pageantry has a big to role to play in any society. We are all familiar with different pageants that are held at national, regional and international levels under different themes: Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss Mines, Miss Earth etc.
“The pageant has potential to boost local tourism as some visitors want to travel to rural areas just to experience typical rural settings.
Miss Rural bring about business opportunities. Events of this nature have the potential to contribute immensely to economic development and social cohesion,” reads Ndlovu’s speech.
According to the records, Nyasha Phiri who comes from Nembudziya in Gokwe is the reigning Queen in the past 14 years.
In her speech, the pageant’s founder Mazibuko said she is delighted to announce the start of a new journey for Miss Rural Zimbabwe.
She further indicated that license holders from all 10 provinces in Zimbabwe will go to every corner of Rural Zimbabwe searching for the new queen.
The veteran model instructor, Mazibuko also revealed that so far, the pageant has eighty licensed holders and they are in search of two more holders for Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East.
She also highlighted that Mr Rural comes in as a partner to Miss Rural.
Mr Rural Zimbabwe is mainly targeted at young men in the ruralareas, eager to become models but lacking exposure.
