Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
GROWING up in the quiet border town of Plumtree, Sibonelo Khupe never imagined that one day her name would be called on international stages. But today, the girl who once modelled at high school level, has blossomed into a global pageant powerhouse.
Now based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Khupe traces her modelling roots back to 1999 at Thekwane High School in Bulilima District, where she first stepped into the world of pageantry and made top five. A year later, she placed second runner-up at Miss Plumtree, a pageant she would later return to lead as organiser and director.
Her journey took a new turn when she moved to South Africa to study Communication Science. There, she channelled her growing love for fashion and empowerment into launching the Bonnie Coupe Group, a modelling agency that allowed her to nurture talent from behind the scenes.
“This year, my life changed when I was crowned Mrs Universe Africa. It led me to represent Africa at the Mrs Universe competition in the Philippines, where I earned Top Model for Africa and placed number 14 in the world. It was surreal,” Khupe said.
Her decision to enter Mrs Universe Africa, she explained, was rooted in purpose.
“I believe in using my experiences, voice, and influence to empower women, especially those who’ve faced hardship.
“For me, the platform is not just about beauty, it’s about leadership, service and rebuilding with dignity. I wanted to represent the women who juggle family, business, community and still show up strong.”
Mrs Universe, she said, is a gathering of driven women from across the globe, women who aim to make a difference. For Khupe, it became the perfect opportunity to amplify her message and inspire younger women to dream boldly.
And she did not stop there. Khupe became the first national director for Mrs Universe Zimbabwe, taking on the responsibility of bringing the country onto the global stage for the first time.
“Zimbabwe had never participated before, and instead of seeing that as a setback, I saw it as a chance to build something new, to shape our own narrative and showcase the brilliance of Zimbabwean women,” she said.
Her passion, she said, lies in the empowerment and celebration of women through leadership, pageantry and advocacy.
“It’s about using beauty and influence to create social impact. I draw inspiration from everyday women — mothers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers who rise above challenges. The resilience of Zimbabwean women fuels me.”
Her journey, however, has not been without challenges.
“Balancing personal and professional life while staying true to my purpose hasn’t been easy. But I’ve learnt that faith, discipline and authenticity are key. True beauty shines through service and impact.”
Looking ahead, Khupe is fully focused on launching the inaugural Mrs Universe Zimbabwe, to empower women across the country to step confidently into global spaces. She will also continue her advocacy for women’s leadership, education and community transformation across Africa.
Zimbabwe has long been accustomed to mainstream beauty pageants such as Miss Zimbabwe and, more recently, Miss Universe Zimbabwe, events that traditionally dominate the national spotlight, command significant media attention, and shape public perceptions of pageantry.
These platforms often celebrate youth, glamour, and national representation on global stages. In contrast, Mrs pageants remain relatively under-explored and less publicised, yet they play an equally important role by celebrating married women, acknowledging maturity, leadership, and the diverse life stories that accompany womanhood. —Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire
