Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
AFTER weeks of staying in five-star hotels in Vietnam, enjoying the best of its meals, sunbathing on its beaches, endless rehearsals and the excitement of the Miss World Festival, Brunette Makanyiso is back where it all began.
She is back home and, quite literally, back to stuff like sadza.
Her first meal back home was a plate of sadza, beef and beans – a simple but emotional reminder that no matter how far the journey takes her, home will always taste like home.
For weeks, Brunette had been immersed in the colourful environment of the Miss World Festival in Vietnam, moving between official engagements, interviews, cultural activities, charity programmes and preparations for the grand finale.
But yesterday, the glamour gave way to the comfort of a familiar Zimbabwean meal.
And, for the young woman from Chitungwiza, it was more than just food.
It was a return to her roots.
Brunette’s journey to the global Miss World stage is itself an achievement that carries particular significance because of where she comes from and the community that shaped her.
Coming from Chitungwiza, she has carried the hopes and dreams of young Zimbabweans who may not necessarily grow up surrounded by privilege but who believe that determination, faith and hard work can open doors far beyond their immediate surroundings.
Her story has also been closely connected to her church background, with her Salvation Army roots forming part of the values that have guided her journey.
From the church environment to the international pageant stage, Brunette has had to navigate two very different worlds – one grounded in faith, family and community and the other filled with cameras, international contestants, designers and global attention.
Yet she has managed to remain grounded.
Her Miss World journey saw her represent Zimbabwe among contestants from around the world, giving her an opportunity to showcase not only her beauty but also the story, culture and aspirations of her country.
Although she did not secure a place in some of the early challenge categories, including Head-to-Head and Talent, Brunette remained in contention and continued participating in the festival’s various activities.
She also made her mark in the continental rankings, finishing among the Top 6 African contestants, an achievement that gave Zimbabweans another reason to celebrate.
For someone who started her journey from Chitungwiza, reaching such a stage represents a significant milestone.
The Miss World experience exposed her to a different level of competition and gave her a platform to interact with women from different cultures while representing Zimbabwe on one of the world’s biggest beauty stages.
Her time in Vietnam was also about more than the crown.
She experienced the warmth of Nha Trang, participated in Miss World activities and embraced the cultural exchange that came with spending weeks away from home.
Now back in Zimbabwe, the international sash, gowns and cameras have been replaced by familiar surroundings, family, friends and, of course, sadza.
Her return has also provided a powerful reminder of what her journey represents.
For the young girls watching her from Chitungwiza, and elsewhere in Zimbabwe, Brunette’s story demonstrates that the road to an international platform does not have to begin in a glamorous environment.
It can begin in a community, in a family, at school, in church or simply with a dream.
And, perhaps that is why the plate of sadza, beef and beans carries such symbolism.
Now, as she settles back into life at home, the challenge is to turn the exposure and experience gained on the international stage into something lasting – inspiring the next generation while remaining connected to the community and values that helped shape her.
From Chitungwiza to Vietnam and back home again, Brunette has already travelled a remarkable distance.
And yesterday, with sadza on her plate, she was once again simply Brunette Makanyiso, the girl from Chitown.
