For five years running, William Masvinu has proudly held the title of Mr. Ugly in Zimbabwe, a pageant that might sound humorous at first glance. But there’s a deeper lesson here—Masvinu has accepted who he is, flaws and all, and turned what others might see as a disadvantage into a source of strength. In a world obsessed with perfection, there’s no greater power than self-acceptance. It’s the foundation upon which we can all begin to build a life of meaning and impact.
Local tabloids have highlighted Masvinu's pride in his appearance, with him even expressing ambitions to take his unique brand of beauty to the international stage. Yet, in a twist that’s as telling as it is intriguing, another contestant has challenged his fifth consecutive win, claiming the judges were biased, insisting that he is, in fact, the uglier of the two.
This competition, though unconventional, speaks volumes about the importance of inclusivity and recognition in all forms of beauty—because everyone, no matter how they look, deserves to be celebrated.
For far too long, society has bestowed privileges on those who fit the mold of conventional beauty, leaving others to feel invisible. But this competition challenges that norm. It's time we acknowledge that every shade of beauty, even the so-called “ugly,” deserves its moment in the sun.
The winner of Zimbabwe's Mr. Ugly competition walks away with $500 and a cow—a significant reward. Perhaps Zambia needs this kind of inclusivity too; because let's face it, beauty lies in our ability to see beyond the surface.
Spoken Word Poet. Climate Leader. Lagos State Youth Ambassador. UNICEF GenU Youth Delegate🇺🇳 Youth Advisor to the European Union🇪🇺
1wSuper grateful for the best wishes.