Joleen Marara
RURAL modeling enthusiasts now have a chance to have a second dance with the catwalk industry, as Miss Rural Zimbabwe pageant has bounced back after a 14 year sabbatical.
Miss Rural, a brain child of Sipho Ncube Mazibuko, folded more than a decade ago due to the economic crisis. It was founded in 2003 and was last held in 2006.
However, all hope is not lost, as the organisers have said they will soon go out of their way scouting for the usually overlooked rural talent in the modeling world.
Once the pride of Zimbabwe, Miss Rural had its massive finals that took place in Kariba in 2006 before it folded.
On Saturday, Environment and Tourism minister Mangaliso Ndlovu who graced the launch of the pageant said events like Miss Rural brings about business opportunities that need to be harnessed for the different economic and social spin offs.
“This is a most welcome development as pageantry has a big role to play in any society.
“I am reliably informed that when the last national finals of Miss Rural were held in Kariba 14 years ago, the event attracted a lot of people from all parts of the country such that all the hotels in the resort were fully booked. The fashion and retail industries were kept busy while performing artists, service providers in the sound and light industry, media, tour and house.”
He added: The social and economic impact of pageants cannot be overemphasised. From the preparations through the hosting of preliminary to the final events, pageants impact on different sections of society and sectors of the economy: culture, environment, clothing and fashion, arts, technology, tourism and hospitality as is clearly visible here.”
He said events of this nature have the potential to contribute immensely to economic development and social cohesion adding that it was “high time that the economic value of the pageant industry is unleashed as opposed to simply viewing it as a charity or social case.”
The minister said the pageant had a role to play in the country’s devolution agenda.
“As the pageant goes round the country scouting for contestants and holding provincial contests, attention will be drawn to different parts of our country from economic and social perspectives.”
Speaking at the same event Provincial Affairs minister Judith Ncube said: “Gone are the days when pageants were only about beauty .In today’s world the most valuable aspect of pageantry is the positive influence and inspiration it brings,” she said.
