Sandisiwe Gumbo, Sunday Life Reporter
Amanda Ngcono Nkomo, a 25-year-old Zimbabwe-born model, is set to represent the country at the Miss Globe pageant in Albania on November 17.
Born in Bulawayo on 6 April 1998, Amanda moved to England at the age of four although she frequently visits her hometown. She went to Trinity High School in England and recently graduated from Wolverhampton University with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Studies. Amanda’s decision to represent Zimbabwe at Miss Globe was motivated by her desire to showcase her country’s beauty and culture on a global stage.
“The motivation came from wanting to make sure Zimbabwe is seen, heard and represented on the international stage and that the world can see all the good that is from Zimbabwe. This is important for me to represent all Zimbabweans as a positive representative, flying the Zimbabwean flag high and proud,” she said.
On how she was selected, Amanda explained, “The Miss Globe was looking for representation from different countries and Zimbabwe was one of them, my national director put me forward and we went through a process in which I was able to be selected to represent Zimbabwe.”
In preparation for the Miss Globe competition, she has been diligently working on various aspects of her performance. She has focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle by engaging in regular gym sessions and following a balanced diet.
“I have been preparing for The Miss Globe pageant through so many different ways such as training with my national director, for physical fitness I go to the gym and eat better. The preparations have been going well for the Miss globe 2023.”
In addition to her physical and mental preparation, Nkomo has also been working on her social and environmental impact. She has been advocating for period poverty and creating safe spaces for girls in her community through her organisation “Ngcono Mbowane Foundation.” She often collaborates with schools in Zimbabwe to end period poverty and the prejudice against girls.
“I do more of my advocacy work through my foundation, we recently donated sanitary pads and stationery to a local primary school in Bulawayo to celebrate International Day of the Girl Child last week Wednesday, 11 October 2023.”
If she is crowned Miss Globe, she plans to continue advocating for women and girls’ rights and empowerment. She also hopes to use her platform to promote education and access to resources for marginalised communities.
“If I was to be crowned The Miss Globe, I would use the title to have a lasting impact in society by doing more advocacy work linked to women and girls, to create more open opportunities for women and girls, and to carry on fighting period poverty. I would make sure to use this title in a positive way to inspire others and to help communities.”
In addition to her advocacy work, Nkomo also hopes to use her platform to write books for children. She believes that children’s books are an important way to promote literacy and education, and she hopes to use her platform to inspire young readers.
Amanda has won several accolades and recognitions for herself and her organisation as a result of her dedication and activism. She has received several awards, including Zimbabwean Young Achiever of the Year, Rising Star at the Zimbabwean International Women’s Awards, and recognition as one of Africa’s Forty Under Forty in Philanthropy.
