Face of AMA2K winners set sights on opportunities beyond the runway

Nodumo Moyo, Langelihle Dube

The inaugural Face of AMA2K Bulawayo Edition has opened the door to opportunities beyond the runway for young creatives, with the newly crowned winners set to gain exposure in business, project management and international platforms.

Held in Bulawayo on August 22 under the theme, “Reflection of the Brighter Future”, the pageant was the brainchild of Ama2K for Economic Development (Ama2K4ED), a youth empowerment initiative.

Mellisa Moyo was crowned Queen of Face of AMA2K 2026, while Mthokozisi Dhula took home the King title. Michel Dube was named First Princess, with Nyasha Chidzenga crowned Second Princess, while Nomalisho won the People’s Choice Award.

Said Moyo: “It feels amazing and truly humbling to be crowned Face of AMA2K 2026 Bulawayo. I’m grateful for the opportunity. I realised that I have the strongest backbone in my life, a support system I never thought I could have, from everyone who supported and believed in me throughout the competition,” she said.

The competition, she added, had also been a journey of self-discovery, teaching her to embrace confidence and remain resilient in the face of challenges.

“The competition taught me that I’m stronger and more confident than I thought. I learnt to believe in myself, embrace who I am and remain focused even when things get challenging,” said Moyo.

She said the experience had changed her perception of modelling, showing her that the stage could be a platform for personal expression and growth.

“I also learnt a valuable lesson that the stage is not just about the crown, but about expressing my true self and all that I stand for. And yes, it feels good to be a Queen,” she said.

Meanwhile, organiser Prince Bismarck, popularly known as Cde Belteshazzar, said Face of AMA2K was designed to expose young people to opportunities that stretch beyond the modelling industry. As part of those opportunities, the newly crowned Queen and King are expected to represent the initiative at an event in Vietnam later this year, providing them with a platform to showcase themselves internationally.

The winners will also be introduced to opportunities in the construction and real estate sectors through Gen X Sons. They are expected to participate in project management linked to the refurbishment of a boarding house project valued at US$180 000, with the refurbishment component estimated at US$8 000.

Bismarck said the initiative was equally focused on connecting young people with influential figures and institutions that could help shape their futures.

“We are creating a networking opportunity where they then manage to network with other young people, as well as society leaders, community leaders and people in the corporate world,” he said.

He added that some of the participants could also secure opportunities to work as brand ambassadors for various companies.

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