Online Reporter
Melissa Mpofu, [email protected]
The stage is set for one of Zimbabwe’s biggest pageantry nights, with seven national queens set to be crowned at the Miss Universe Zimbabwe finale in Harare on Saturday.
A total of 18 contestants will battle for top honours in a contest that has evolved into a multi-title platform aimed at producing well-prepared ambassadors for international pageants.
The finalists are Nomaqhikiza Mokoni, Charmaine Mabvundwe, Ruvimbo Njomboro, Roseanna Hall, Kudzaishe Mwamuka, Mona-Lisa Dube, Jemima Mandemwa, Brunette Makanyiso, Virginia Nyambe, Nicole Nyawera, Sindiso Ndlovu, Paris Huni, Malaika Mushandu, Kuzivakwashe Mujakachi, Shelly Bent, Tatenda Madzinga, Adelle Chinamasa and Cheryl Shambadzai.
National director of Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Tendai Hunda, said the organisation will crown representatives for seven international competitions, significantly increasing opportunities for contestants. The titles up for grabs are Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Miss World Zimbabwe, Miss Cosmo Zimbabwe, Miss Supranational Zimbabwe, Miss International Zimbabwe, Miss Intercontinental Zimbabwe and Top Model of the World Zimbabwe.
“Basically, we’re saying we have seven whole winners at the event. This time around, we will crown Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Miss World Zimbabwe, Miss Cosmo Zimbabwe, Miss Supranational Zimbabwe and Miss International Zimbabwe. We recently added two complementary titles, Miss Intercontinental Zimbabwe and Top Model of the World.
“These will be crowned from the 18 contestants,” said Hunda.
She said the expanded format ensures that more contestants benefit from the platform while positioning Zimbabwe to field stronger representatives on the global stage.
“This is a landmark moment. Zimbabwe has never had a platform of this scale where seven major international titles are awarded from one national competition. It raises the standard of pageantry in the country and demonstrates that Zimbabwe is ready to compete with the best in the world. We’re creating a sustainable ecosystem that nurtures talent and opens doors internationally.
“Technically, we’re crowning seven Zimbabwean ambassadors to seven different international platforms. For me, they’re all equal winners because they are heading to different stages with different requirements, expectations and timelines.”
Hunda said the decision to consolidate several international franchises under one organisation was informed by consultations within the modelling industry and the need to improve standards.
“What used to happen is that girls would sometimes be randomly selected to represent Zimbabwe without adequate preparation. There were many separate pageants taking place, which often created confusion.
“Consolidation helps with budgeting, quality control and resource sharing. It also ensures that every contestant is managed by a reputable organisation and receives the support she deserves when representing the country internationally.”
On how judges will select the different queens, event organisers said the core judging criteria will remain the same – confidence, intelligence, communication skills, leadership qualities and overall presentation.
“However, each international pageant has unique requirements. The judging panel will carefully identify contestants whose strengths align with the values and expectations of each specific international platform.”
The quality of contestants this year appears exceptionally high, with several beauties who have represented the country on international stages trying out their luck. Organisers agreed that the bar has been raised this year.
“This is arguably one of the strongest groups we’ve ever assembled. We have contestants with international exposure, professional achievements, strong advocacy projects and outstanding communication skills. Every stage of the competition has been highly competitive, and the judges have a very difficult task.”
As part of the incentives, the Miss Universe Zimbabwe winner is expected to drive away in a brand-new vehicle, continuing a tradition that has seen previous title holders receive Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
“Traditionally, the winner receives a car and this year, that will still be the case. The specific vehicle will depend on the sponsor. We’re also hopeful that the second runner-up may receive a car, but that will be confirmed on the day,” said Hunda.
Adding international glamour to the event will be former Miss Universe and South African media personality Zozibini Tunzi, who will attend as an MC. Hunda said Tunzi’s presence is intended to inspire contestants by giving them direct access to someone who achieved the ultimate pageantry dream.
“I want the girls to understand that it’s possible to bring the Miss Universe crown home. They need to see the actual product of what they are competing for and understand that they too, can become Miss Universe.
“Bringing her to the event is personal for me because she’s someone whose journey I’ve followed closely. I watched her win and make an impact globally. I watched her transition from modelling into film and directing. She’s a true inspiration to the girls.”
Tunzi made history in 2019 when she became the third South African woman and the first black African woman to win the Miss Universe crown.
Meanwhile, all roads lead to the Harare Hippodrome on Saturday, where the Miss Universe Zimbabwe pageant is set to get underway at 6pm. Entertainment will be headlined by Nigerian singer and songwriter Fireboy DML (born Adedamola Adefolahan), best known for hits such as Peru, Vibration and Jealous, alongside Zimbabwe’s own Jah Prayzah. Joining Zozibini Tunzi on MC duties will be local media personality Yahya Goodvibes, who will serve as a guest host.
