Sixteen-year-old model Natasha Nkwanda has been crowned Miss NODE Zimbabwe 2025, capping a memorable night that blended elegance with advocacy.
The ceremony was held on Saturday at Food Nest, Long Cheng Plaza in Harare, and brought together fashion, purpose and youth empowerment.
Representing Fabulous Modelling Agency, Nkwanda outshone a strong field of contestants, with Rutendo Sandra Tazvitya named First Princess, Celine Makanaka Sharara, the Second Princess, while Ruvimbo M Chaeza won the People’s Choice award.
Nkwanda’s victory also recognised her commitment to philanthropy. Recently, she hosted a Christmas party and donated clothes to 50 orphaned children at the Foundation of Hope International Trust orphanage in Epworth.
NODE, an acronym for the National Organisation of Development and Empowerment, partnered with Fabulous Modelling Agency to advocate for the girl child against drug trafficking and substance abuse through modelling.
Through creative expression, mentorship and discipline, the initiative seeks to nurture confident young leaders grounded in positive values.
Fabulous Modelling Agency director Simbarashe Gwavava, a renowned model coach and founder of the Zimbabwe Youth and Cultural Identity Enhancement Trust (ZYCIET), praised Nkwanda as a role model for young Zimbabwean models.
He described her as “a young woman of rare balance, beautiful in appearance, grounded in character and driven by service.”
- Nkwanda crowned Miss NODE Zimbabwe 2025
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Through ZYCIET, Gwavava has championed free modelling and mentorship programmes for youths, supported orphanages and old people’s homes, and promoted Zimbabwe’s cultural identity.
Other models from the agency, including Catherine Wayah, Carren Sakupwanya and Celine Sharara, are also making strides in the industry. Gwavava expressed confidence that they would shine in 2026, citing their discipline and commitment to sustainable income-generating projects.
“When young people are guided to appreciate beauty with purpose, they learn discipline, self-respect and clarity of thought. Modelling trains the mind to set goals, resist destructive temptations and choose healthy paths,” Gwavava said.
“A confident, focused youth is less vulnerable to drugs and substance abuse because they see value in their future.”
