Captivating catwalks. . .Bulawayo girl takes Africa by storm: Nomqhele’s journey to continental modelling success
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SHE conquered the pyramids in Egypt, and now it’s onwards and upwards for Bulawayo-based 10-year-old model, Nomqhele Nikita Mdlauzo.
The pre-teen sensation was crowned Little Top Model Africa 2025, becoming the newest royalty of the Little Mister and Miss Africa (LMMA) pageant. This prestigious event took place at the Tolip Gardens Hotel in Cairo on April 12 this year.
This significant honour followed her previous triumph as Miss Little Africa Zimbabwe at a competition held in Harare last year.
Nomqhele shared that it was her mother who first encouraged her to step onto the runway.
“I was inspired by my mother, who recognised my passion for beauty and fashion. She taught me how to model, and after I won the Zimbabwe Little Top Model title in Harare, she introduced me to a professional trainer, Sir Ishu. He trained me until I went to Egypt to represent Zimbabwe, where I won against 32 African countries as the Top Model Africa. This means I now represent Africa,” she explained.
LMMA is a continental competition for both boys and girls aged between 4 and 16. It celebrates and promotes cultural diversity, tourism, and provides a valuable networking platform for children.
Now, Nomqhele is poised for the next exciting step in her modelling career — a feat she is thrilled about, despite the inevitable financial challenges. She is actively preparing for international pageants and events outside Zimbabwe to further her burgeoning career.
The modelling world is, of course, financially demanding, with flights, visas, and wardrobe costs representing the main expenses.
A Grade 5 pupil at Coghlan Primary School, Nomqhele vibrantly expressed her excitement about her achievements in Egypt.
“Being crowned Queen in Egypt was so awe-inspiring for me. It caught me completely off guard. I was just grateful for the chance to represent Zimbabwe on a global platform,” she remarked.
Not only did she secure the overall crown, but she also emerged as a Top Model, firmly establishing her place on the international stage.
Before Nomqhele’s remarkable journey to Egypt, her mother, Nomagugu Laster Mdlawuzo Burombo, had appealed for help with air tickets, visas, and attire to ensure her daughter could compete — costs which she ultimately covered on her own.
The Miss Little World pageant ran from 12–19 April and served as a powerful platform for children from diverse backgrounds to come together, fostering cultural appreciation, understanding, and respect.
Beyond the glitz of modelling, Nomqhele harbours a deep passion for environmental conservation, with a particular focus on combating deforestation.
“Trees provide oxygen for both humans and animals. They also protect the environment by preventing soil erosion. So, by choosing to plant indigenous trees, we protect ourselves from diseases as well, since many of them have healing properties,” she elaborated.
She impressively leads a tree-planting initiative in Sauerstown, where she has already planted over 5 000 indigenous trees. Her commendable efforts extend to schools and hospitals, where she consistently plants trees to promote sustainability.
When she grows up, Nomqhele dreams of becoming an engineer, demonstrating her enthusiasm for every opportunity that contributes to her personal growth.
Upcoming opportunities include an invitation to Zambia for a trade fair and a trip to Tanzania in August for the Kids Entrepreneur event, with an international pageant in the United States also on the horizon.
Balancing schoolwork and modelling has naturally presented a challenge, requiring her to work extra hard — often staying up very late to complete homework and study.
While Burombo managed everything on her own last time, she is now earnestly appealing for support once more. Those willing to assist can contact her on 0773078991.
“I’m appealing to the people of Zimbabwe to assist us with air tickets, a visa, and the necessary outfits. As a minor, Nomqhele must be accompanied, and I’d be immensely grateful for any assistance to help her represent our country,” she pleaded.
— Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
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