The Sunday News
Samantha Munyurwa, Sunday life reporter
LUPANE State University student is determined to achieve in both worlds of academics and modelling.
The 21-year-old has managed to make a name for herself in modelling, and she believes the sky is the limit, and her attitude towards modelling is that it is all about serving communities, and not just about the looks. She revealed that when she first tried her hand in the trade, she was looked down upon because she has a dark complexion.
“I started modelling when I was nine years old but because they thought I was too dark for beauty pageants, I got eliminated then I gave up until I turned 19. I went for classes and grooming at Truth Models Academy which became my home.
I had the best coach and mentor Pardon Khayelihle Khanye. I got inspired and motivated to continue modelling and serving the community. Modelling is not about showcasing looks and the walk on the ramp. To me it’s a platform of being the voice of the voiceless and also a platform to encourage my peers and serve the community.
My dark skin is my biggest weapon and the fact that I hail from a small town (Filabusi, Matabeleland South province), doesn’t stop me from reaching the top because the sky is the limit. My favourite quote is ‘I want to inspire someone, I want someone to look at me and say because of you I did not give up’, hence the dream lives on.”
Musekiwa has won a number of local accolades, and also took part in Miss Environment Zimbabwe 2021.
“I took part recently in the Miss Charity Ambassador Zimbabwe where I managed to pull through to the final which will be held in Harare in December.
My second major competition was an international competition where I made it to the last round too, giving me the title Miss Environment Zimbabwe 2021 Finalist. The winner will represent the country in India.
I scooped the title Face of Truth Top Model 2021 at the Truth Models academy graduation competition. I am looking forward to gaining more experience as the journey continues. I am also set to represent Zimbabwe in Miss Glamour look International 2022,” she said.
The beauty queen also has a passion for philanthropy, and plans to set up a foundation to help young people on mental health issues, which she believes deserves more attention as many people are suffering in silence.
“It is my biggest dream to win an international pageant and carry my country’s name with pride and honour. I am planning on opening a foundation called Thandazani, named after my mother who is my biggest inspiration as she raised me single handedly.
The foundation will focus mainly on mental health issues which I believe is an issue affecting a lot of my peers in the industry and even outside. I will be publishing my first book sometime next year which I won’t disclose the title until it is ready, but it is an anthology of short stories and poetry under the mental health theme. And I do wish to be a news reporter in the future alongside my modeling career,” she said.
Musekiwa has managed to pull through despite some hardships, as she was forced to drop out of high school due to financial problems, but she managed to pick herself up and continue with education with support from her mother.
“My lowest moment in life was when I dropped out of high school in my final year because of financial reasons. I had to stay two years not going to school, trying to make ends meet all alone.”
Musekiwa attended primary school at Filabusi government Primary School, before moving to David Livingstone Memorial Secondary in Ntabazinduna and Mzinyathini High School in Umzingwane district for Advanced level.
“I am not afraid of anything. I love taking up challenges, making mistakes and learning from them. I wouldn’t call what I have fear, it’s a caution, I won’t call it insecurities, but we live in a cruel world full of deceit so I took it upon myself to never trust anyone so as to avoid disappointments and betrayal because I don’t do well with betrayal,” she added, as her parting shot.
