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Sipepisiwe Moyo, [email protected] 

THE  Miss Rural Zimbabwe pageant Matabeleland South auditions were successfully concluded, with the provincial finals set for September 27. Twenty girls and 10 boys from seven districts have been shortlisted for the competition. 

Eight-year-old poet, Prayer Sibanda from Filabusi has been granted the opportunity to open the provincial finals with a performance as the models walk on the ramp.

Pageant founder, Sipho Mazibuko, said she was captivated by Sibanda’s performance during the auditions. 

“I was thrilled by her performance; it was perfect and deeply moving. For a Grade Three child to deliver such a flawless poem is extraordinary. Her presentation was spiritual and profound, which led me to immediately decide that she will perform at the provincial finals,” Mazibuko said.

Prayer Sibanda

Sibanda, a Grade Three learner at Sinongo 1 Primary School in Filabusi, has been writing and performing poetry since last year. 

Speaking about her journey, she said: “I started writing and reciting poems after my sister Sdudla and teacher, Sir N Dube groomed me in poetry. I have four poems to my name.”

Among her works are titles like Vuka Mama Africa, Watsho Wangena uMaDawu, a poem addressing drug abuse and one focusing on the various totems of Zimbabwean surnames. 

She said her poetry has earned her cash prizes in various competitions, much to the pride of her mother, who expressed support for her daughter’s blossoming talent.

Mazibuko further revealed that she had placed Sibanda under her wing and was now her manager. 

“I invited Prayer and her mother to Bulawayo and we agreed that I would manage her from now onwards. 

“She’ll perform at the Matabeleland South provincial finals, introducing me with a poem about my totems and my journey in empowering women and the girl child.”

Prayer Sibanda

Mazibuko has not only provided the young poet appropriate attire for the event but has also committed to paying her school fees going forward. 

“I can’t wait to see her on that big stage. She’s incredibly talented and the Miss Rural platform will give her the exposure she deserves.”

This year’s Miss Rural Zimbabwe pageant will also debut Mr  Rural Zimbabwe, extending the platform’s mission of empowering rural youth to include boys.

The provincial finals will coincide with World Tourism Day celebrations aligning with efforts to promote domestic tourism through the ZimBho initiative.