The lights blaze brightly as models catwalk on the runway; their heels click clacking rhythmically against the polished floor.
They glide with poise and confidence, embodying the very essence of beauty that the audience has come to admire.
Yet, beneath the surface of this glamorous spectacle lies a troubling reality, one where the aspirations of many young models are often overshadowed by a culture of harassment and exploitation within the modelling industry.
In a world dominated by the allure of fashion, beauty, and high-profile events, modelling is often perceived as a glamorous profession filled with lots of opportunities.
However, for many young models in Zimbabwe, the path to success is fraught with challenges that extend far beyond the runway.
An investigation by Truth Diggers into the local modelling industry revealed a troubling undercurrent of harassment, exploitation and a culture of silence that leaves many aspiring talents feeling vulnerable.
Donovan Takaendesa, the owner of a prominent modelling agency and pageant organiser under DC Entertainment, acknowledged both the potential and the pitfalls of the industry.
“Sexual harassment is there in the modelling industry, mostly between the models and those that are rich,” he said.
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“They approach the models offering them money and in return they want sex. The modelling industry can be a double-edged sword.
“While it offers opportunities, many young models encounter risks and harassment is one of the foremost challenges.”
His words resonated with the fierce reality many models face, particularly those just starting their careers.
The sentiments were also echoed by former Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide (2019), Tania Aaron, who described the local modelling industry as a profession reduced to a platform for sexual exploitation.
“It is disheartening that the modelling industry has a lot of perverts,” Aaron shared.
“I would not be here if I was not strong and bold enough to stand up for myself in situations I had to encounter. I would not be respected if I had given in to the sexual demands.”
Young women entering the modelling realm often bring with them dreams of fame and success, only to confront a harsh reality steeped in unwanted advances.
One former model shared her story of entering the industry at just 17.
“I was excited, but quickly learned that the reality was far from what I imagined,” she told Truth Diggers.
“I faced pressure to please photographers, and it was not long before I found myself in uncomfortable situations.”
She recounted, detailing incidents where photographers made lewd suggestions during shoots.
“It felt like I had to choose between my career and my dignity,” the model said.
“What happens in those runway shows is the modelling agency sells us to the government officials and mbingas and they offer us money and if we do not agree we will lose the show.”
Specific incidents of harassment illustrate the broader issue plaguing the industry.
One model narrated an experience during a fashion show where a prominent designer allegedly made sexual comments about her appearance.
“You would look better on my arm than on the runway,” the designer told the model.
This kind of objectification undermines the talents and aspirations of the young women, reducing them to mere visuals instead of artists.
Compounding these issues is the troubling pattern of power dynamics within the industry.
A popular casting director, after selecting a young model for a campaign, reportedly requested a private meeting in a hotel room in Harare to discuss her career aspirations.
What began as a professional conversation quickly devolved into a proposition laced with sexual undertones.
“He suggested that personal connections could open doors for me. He invited me into the hotel room and said if you want to pursue life you have to have sex with me first,” the model said.
“I agreed because l wanted to be the queen. Those mbingas in Harare approached the sponsors or directors and they pay lots of money to the modelling agency so that they have us for a night or days. If you refuse, the director will say that you will not win.”
Fearing retaliation if she refused, the model left the meeting feeling compromised and deeply unsettled, her confidence shaken.
A case of Chipo Mandiudza, the former Miss Tourism Zimbabwe (2021) who was allegedly forced to resign after her nudes were leaked on social media.
However, her manager claims that there were no nudes, but rather it was the pageant organisers who had promised to make her win and after she won, he wanted to have sex with her as a thank you gift.
