The Miss Gweru pageant is set to return this year with organisers promising an evening that celebrates beauty, confidence, talent and the cultural identity of the Midlands province.
The pageant, one of Zimbabwe’s longest-running provincial modelling competitions, will be held on September 12 at Village Lodge in Gweru, with proceedings starting at 6pm.
The event is being presented by Mahogany TV, Village Lodge and Youth in Politics, with Nyasha David and Rigiyann billed to provide live entertainment.
The organisers have also lined up fashion and modelling activities as part of the programme.
Miss Gweru founder, patron and director Mavis Koslek said the pageant had survived the test of time because it had continuously reinvented itself and created opportunities for young women beyond the traditional beauty contest.
She said the competition was about projecting the image of the Midlands while using modelling to promote tourism, culture and the development of young women.
“Miss Gweru is more than just a beauty pageant. It is about projecting the Midlands Province’s image, promoting Gweru and its culture through beauty and tourism, while empowering the girl child through intelligence, confidence and self-belief,” Koslek said.
The pageant has also become an important fixture on Gweru’s social calendar, attracting audiences through a combination of modelling, music, fashion and entertainment.
Over the years, the event has featured performers including Amara Brown, Trevor Dongo, Dollar and the Beat Band, The Travellers Band and Nyasha David.
Koslek said the competition also provided a platform for new faces to enter the modelling industry and pursue opportunities at a national level.
“Every year, new faces are introduced into the modelling industry. We want to nurture role models who can inspire other young people and make a positive impact in society,” she said.
The pageant’s community-oriented approach has been reflected by some of its recent winners.
The 2025 queen, Tinotenda Munema, used her platform to advocate for menstrual health and provide sanitary pads to girls who could not afford them.
For Koslek, however, modelling success must be accompanied by responsibility, discipline and personal safety.
She urged young models to be cautious about the people they work with and to understand the industry before committing themselves to agencies or individuals.
“The industry can move fast and shine bright, but don’t get blinded by it. Protect your peace, your body and your name. Research who you work with. Never pay to get signed before you know what you’re doing, and bring someone you trust,” she said.
Koslek also encouraged aspiring models to build skills and character rather than focusing solely on popularity and social media following.
“Agencies don’t own you. Likes don’t define you. Build skill, not just followers. Work hard, stay humble, stay safe and stay you,” she said.
This year’s Miss Gweru event will feature a strictly formal dress code.
Ordinary tickets are pegged at US$10, while VIP tickets cost US$30 and include a meal, with full bar and catering available at the venue.
