Miss Gweru 2026 Preparations Underway

Gweru — The countdown to Miss Gweru 2026 has begun, with 12 aspiring models preparing to compete for the coveted crown in a pageant that will showcase beauty, confidence, talent and Gweru pride.

Organised by Image Modeling Agency, the pageant is scheduled for September 12, 2026, at The Village Lodge, where contestants will take part in a red-carpet, black-tie event featuring ball gowns and evening wear.

Image Modeling Agency Director, Mavis Koslek, said preparations were progressing well, with the contestants undergoing training in modelling, grooming, styling and stage presentation.

“We have 12 beautiful contestants, each of them coming from their own backgrounds and cultures.

"We are preparing them for the big day and everything is coming up very nicely,” Koslek said.

Koslek said most of the contestants had never modelled before and were being introduced to pageantry from the basics, including walking in high heels, styling, dressing and stage presentation.

The contestants will compete in swimwear, evening ball gowns and avant-garde, while the opening session will feature a cocktail-themed presentation.

They will also face a question-and-answer segment in which a panel of judges will assess their ability to respond to random questions, with emphasis on confidence, communication and delivery.

The event will feature Nyasha David as the guest artist, alongside local performers including Moto Moto Family and other artists.

Koslek credited the contestants and their parents for supporting the programme, saying the pageant was intended to empower young women and provide them with opportunities to develop confidence and presentation skills.

“Without the girls, we do not have a competition. I would like to give credit to the contestants who have come forward, and also to the parents who have allowed their daughters to be part of this event," she said.

The winners are expected to represent Gweru at broader pageantry platforms in Harare.

Adding a civic touch to the preparations, Gweru Mayor, Councillor Martin Chivhoko, sashed the 12 Miss Gweru 2026 contestants, urging them to take pride in representing the city, becoming the face of the city.

The organisers have also appealed for additional sponsorship, saying support can be provided through money, equipment, services or other resources.

Sponsors will have opportunities to display their banners and logos at the venue.

Several businesses have already supported the event, including Mahogany TV Sound and Lighting, Milan Family Restaurant, Perfect Media, Moto Moto, Mid Drive and Wack Properties.