Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2025, Nomqhele SisaNkomo, has embraced community creativity and cultural advocacy to promote development and cultural preservation.
In an interview on Friday, Nkomo shared insights about her journey, aspiration and the challenges she faces as Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2025.
Nkomo's journey began at Miss Nust, where she first recognised her potential.
“That experience gave me the confidence to pursue something bigger, representing my country. I was inspired by the desire to use my voice and creativity to promote Zimbabwe’s beauty, culture and resilience to the world,” she told NewsDay Life & Style.
“When I learned that I was crowned, it felt like time paused. It was surreal. My heart was racing and tears formed because I realised that I was stepping into a role that was bigger than myself, a symbol of pride and purpose.”
Among the most rewarding aspects of her title, Nkomo said was witnessing how her story inspired others had been fulfilling.
“I've grown more confident in who I am and what I offer. Milestones include creating platforms that blend poetry with advocacy and building stronger networks around environmental and cultural storytelling,” she said.
Her experiences have influenced self-perception, helping her to transition from simply dreaming to taking actionable steps towards her goals. This newfound clarity has empowered her to embrace her identity as a poet and cultural ambassador.
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Bulls to charge into Zimbabwe gold stocks
- Ndiraya concerned as goals dry up
- Letters: How solar power is transforming African farms
Keep Reading
Nkomo balances her artistic pursuits with her responsibilities as Miss Tourism.
“Poetry is my soul’s language, pageantry is my platform. I’ve learned to let the two feed into each other, performing at cultural events and sharing poems that celebrate Zimbabwe,” she said.
Her experiences have also impacted her family and community, who have been her steadfast support.
“My family, including my parents, friends and close relatives, have always cheered me on. My community has embraced me as one of their own, reminding me that this journey isn’t mine alone. It’s a shared celebration,” she said.
However, her journey has not been without challenges. Nkomo has navigated pressure to conform to certain expectations while striving to remain authentic to her roots.
Overcoming stereotypes and misconceptions, particularly as a young woman, has been a significant aspect of her experience, compelling her to reshape the narrative surrounding her identity.
Nkomo believes in showcasing culture as it is lived rather than performed.
“Whether through traditional fashion that I design or storytelling in my poetry, I aim to present culture as a daily rhythm of identity,” she said.
Throughout her reign, she has dealt with travel delays, wardrobe malfunction and emotional lows, but the most significant struggle has been overcoming imposter syndrome. “Each stage I stepped on, I had to remind myself, ‘You earned this’.”
She was brave enough to admit a mistake she made which she said fuelled her drive more.
“I trip on my dresses a lot mid-walk, and I don’t allow it to bring me down though. I keep walking and smiling, hoping that nobody notices. If I had a superpower, it would be Emotional Alchemy, turning pain into poetry, joy into action and silence into song,” Nkomo said.
The model aspires to represent Zimbabwe not just in pageantry, but through her writing, advocacy and entrepreneurial ventures. She aims to serve as a bridge connecting art with action and hopes to inspire young women across the nation.
In her message to young women and aspiring poets, she said: “You don’t have to shrink to fit into someone else’s version of greatness. You’re allowed to be many things: poetic, powerful, sensitive and smart. Believe that your voice matters and use it with care and courage.”
As for the future of tourism and beauty pageant in Zimbabwe, Nkomo is optimistic. “I believe the future is bright, and I am excited to be a part of it.”
She is a multi-talented creative, renowned for her powerful spoken word poetry and distinctive fashion brand. Currently a media and journalism student, she uses her voice to advocate for mental health, cultural pride and sustainable tourism.
