By Tatiana Mhararira
Victoria Primary School continues to excel in modeling after another learner, Nothando Gugulethu Sibanda, was crowned First Princess at the Toto Miss Little Africa pageant held recently in Cairo, Egypt.
The seven-year-old earned the opportunity to represent Zimbabwe after winning the Toto Miss Africa Zimbabwe pageant in 2024.
Joy Mukisa from Uganda was crowned the 2025 queen, while Lethukula Makgotso Fakude from South Africa took second runner-up. Waishe Maverick from Zimbabwe won the Toto Mr Africa award.
Speaking to journalists at Charles Austin Theatre on April 24, 2025, Sibanda’s coach and manager, Tajae Mwenda, said she inspired and mentored her to reach this level.
“This achievement reflects passion, perseverance, and dedication. Nothando was inspired by my own modeling journey. She often joined me at rehearsals, watching me walk the stage with wide eyes and a curious heart. As I pursued my dreams, she learned and grew alongside me.
“When her moment came, she shone, first as Miss Victoria Primary School, then as Toto Miss Africa Zimbabwe in 2024, proving that with hard work and support, anything is possible,” Mwenda said.
Mwenda added that financial challenges were significant but thanked those who helped.
“Fundraising for the Egypt trip was tough. We faced setbacks from institutions we expected to support us, but we stayed determined. Sibanda’s family showed remarkable resilience, sacrificing greatly to make her dream a reality. We’re grateful to friends and the community who contributed, no matter how small. Your generosity meant everything,” she said.
Community member Tinashe Mutoti expressed pride in Sibanda and urged parents to nurture their children’s talents.
“Sibanda has raised the name of her family, school, town, and nation by winning this award. I encourage parents to support their children’s interests. When a child shows passion, parents should motivate them. Sibanda’s success shows what’s possible with support,” Mutoti said.
Sibanda will hold the crown until 2026 and is currently leading the Disability Pride Project, appealing for donations to buy winter uniforms for children with disabilities.
Victoria Primary’s former pupil, Dillish Masango, made history at last year’s pageant in Nigeria, winning three awards: Miss Popularity, Miss Smile, and Miss Toto Africa Second Runner-Up.
Those wishing to assist with donations can contact Tajae at 0786872606 or Tandiwe at 0773905115.
