In an official press statement from the Bulawayo Models Association the organisation confirmed the return to full operations after a two-year rebuilding phase. Issued on 24 June 2026 by Secretary General Abdul Preacher Monjesa, the statement which was received by My Kasi Magazine addressed to models, media houses, industry stakeholders, and the public.

It outlines a restructured leadership team, a broad awards programme, and three key dates that will shape Bulawayo’s fashion and pageant calendar for the rest of the year.

“For the past two years, the Association has been working behind the scenes to rebuild a stronger brand and align with credible stakeholders. We are now back to serve the industry bigger, better, and stronger,” Monjesa said in the statement received by My Kasi Magazine.

The tone reflects a deliberate shift from consolidation to action, with the Association positioning itself as a unifying body for a sector that has struggled with fragmented platforms and limited institutional support.

The relaunch is anchored by a new Executive Board selected by founding members Miss Joanne Peters and Khaya Pardon.
Khaya Pardon will serve as President, with Calvin Madula as Vice President. Monjesa takes the role of Secretary General, supported by Mzolisi Zibusiso Mtshayisa as Vice Secretary General.

Meanwhile Leslie Masuku joins as Treasurer General, while Joanne Peters returns as Advisor.

According to the statement, the board will steer the Association’s affairs through 2026. It has also issued an open call for public participation, appealing to anyone interested in contributing to what it terms a “public project” to come on board as the new executive begins its term.

Recognition of talent sits at the centre of the comeback.

Nominations for the 2026 awards will open on 1 July 2026 through an online link to be shared by the Association. The programme is wide-ranging and designed to cover both on-stage talent and the industry professionals behind it.

Model categories will recognise Model of the Year, Most Photogenic, Outstanding Male Model, Outstanding Female Model, Best Fashion Model, Best Pageant Model, Best Newcomer, Outstanding Runway Model, and Outstanding Fitness Model.

While the Industry categories shift focus to the ecosystem that sustains the runway, honouring Outstanding Models Agency, Best Model Photographer, Outstanding Models Fashion Designer, Best MC, Best Pageant Director, Outstanding Pageant Choreographer, Outstanding Model Groomer, and Outstanding Brand Ambassador.

As for the pageant and Student categories will celebrate Outstanding Varsity, College and University Pageant, Outstanding Varsity, College and University King and Queen, and Pageant of the Year.

In addition,special awards will be presented for Most Travelled, Outstanding Model Project, Legendary Lifetime Awards, Most Supportive Company, Best Influencer, Outstanding Video, and Outstanding Performing Artist in pageant and fashion shows.

The breadth of categories suggests an effort to give visibility not only to established names but also to emerging talent in Bulawayo’s kasi areas.

The Association has fixed three dates for 2026. An Official Cocktail Launch and Nominees Reveal is scheduled for 29 August 2026, expected to bring together nominees, sponsors, and industry players for the year’s first major gathering.

The Bulawayo Models Awards will follow on 31 October 2026, with winners announced across all categories.

The year will close with the Official Mr and Miss Bulawayo Pageant on 21 November 2026, an event that has historically served as a launchpad for local models and pageant contestants.

Venues for all three events are yet to be confirmed, with the Association saying details will be released as planning advances.

Based in Bulawayo, the Association says it will serve models, modelling agencies, photographers, fashion designers, pageant directors, and related stakeholders across the city and surrounding areas.
The timing of the return is significant.

Bulawayo’s fashion and modelling industry has faced years of limited exposure and inconsistent platforms. By returning with a restructured board, defined award criteria, and a clear calendar, the Association is attempting to provide structure and continuity. For young models outside the city centre, the awards and pageant create a more formal pathway to exposure.

For designers and photographers, they offer a credible stage to showcase work to sponsors and audiences. For the city’s creative economy, the relaunch adds momentum to a sector that contributes to culture, youth employment, and local enterprise.

Monjesa closed the statement received by My Kasi Magazine with a brief but pointed reflection on the significance of the moment.

“This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Glitz & Glamour series in Bulawayo. Thank you,” he said.

With nominations opening within days and the first event set for late August, the Association is moving quickly from rebuilding to delivery.

For Bulawayo’s fashion community, the runway is open again, and the next chapter will be written on it.