Transcending Beyond The Runway: The Inspirational ...

Transcending Beyond The Runway: The Inspirational Story Of Kimberly Mayoyo

Audrey Galawu

Assistant Editor

Rising above the ordinary in the world of pageantry takes innovation, advocacy and positive impact.

At the age of 26, Tatenda Kimberly Mayoyo’s journey is proof of this perspective, having achieved more beyond her modelling career.

Her pageantry journey started back in primary school, but she quit in grade 5 because other students found her accent and fashion style funny which killed her spirit to compete.

“Funny story, so I am basically a farm girl and my parents sacrificed for me to go to a semi bourgeoisie primary school. We used to host variety shows, and every time I tried out modelling, I never used to win or at least fit in.’

The years must have polished her for in 2014, while in high school a fundraising show for the resident priest’s car was held, and Kimberly was forced by her matron to be part of the models. And she won!

“Got a couple of items and a cash price. Moving to 2018, I met a beauty queen while coming from my lecture, Life Matunzeni, and she asked me to consider joining Miss UZ. Riding on the high school glory, and the prizes, I had gotten I did not think twice,” Kimberly recalls.

But it was not the same thing.

However, I didn’t realise this was now more than just walking on the ramp. This was real pageantry, and it was my first time hearing the word.”

Kimberly, who holds a Laws Honours Degree and is currently working as a litigation executive for a United Kingdom based law firm, has not only flaunted her beauty on the runway but has used her influence to address the various challenges in society.

She has founded three organisations; The CR Foundation named in honour of her father, educates the community on financial literacy. The Priscilla Foundation named after her mother which spreads awareness on mental health.

Then there is the Viridian Project which focuses on producing biogas from waste. The project actively engages with the community through workshops providing information on how to make bio-digesters that break down biodegradable materials into two main by-products that is biogas, (a clean renewable and sustainable energy used for cooking, heating and lighting) as well as high nutrient organic fertilizers.

“I believe my social responsibility is to eradicate poverty in all its forms everywhere in line with Sustainable Development Goals. Guided by these principles, I have undertaken a number of projects to ensure Zero Poverty.

The Viridian Project started in 2023 and addresses 12 of the 17 SDGs for example health and well-being, clean energy, reducing impact of climate change.

“I come from a third world country where over 60% of the population rely in burning of biomass as a source of energy.

“Many families still use the three stone traditional fireplace, open wood fires to cook, for lighting and heat provision, causing health problems such as chronic respiratory diseases, pneumonia in young children, lung infections at sometimes even cancer! Use of wood for cooking has resulted in deforestation and land degradation.

“Special appreciation to the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife and the Ministry of Tourism for implementing policies that promote use of clean energy for all,” she says.

The project has partnered with Ground Force Industrial, Red Dane, Horizon Borehole Drilling Company and Mukute Glamour Modelling Agency.

The Pageantry industry is not all glamour on the runway or on set.

“My greatest challenge I have ever faced in the industry emotional and psychological pressure. We live in the age of technology and “perfect photos” have now promoted unrealistic beauty standards,

“We are judged based on our appearance more often than any other qualities we possess. Sometimes it feels as if the industry picks someone they consider perfect and finds faults in them. We live in a world where scars are ugly and flawless smooth skin as portrayed by our photos is what’s expected of us,” she said.

Keep it real, Kimberly advises other beauty industry players and aspirants: “Let’s not forget our scars are evidence of battles we fought wars we won. There is a certain standard set out for us based on our past, our friends, our fellow models but remember, you fight different wars every day. Compete against yourself, strive to be better than yesterday, use other people as point of reference but not to a set standard for your success.”