Online Reporter
Gift Moyo [email protected]
Zimbabwean fashion model and Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 Top 18 finalist Nomaqhikiza Mokoni has reaffirmed that her participation in the national pageant was a once-off experience, saying she has no plans to compete again.
Her remarks come after some followers of the pageant encouraged her to return next year, urging her to refine her approach and try again for the crown. However, Mokoni says she is shifting her focus to other personal and professional priorities.
The Los Angeles-based model, who was among the early favourites for the Miss Universe Zimbabwe title, attracted significant attention on social media and voting platforms ahead of the grand finale.
In a recent Facebook question-and-answer session with her followers, Mokoni addressed speculation about a possible return to the pageant stage. Asked directly whether she would compete again, she responded: “I don’t think so.”
Responding to suggestions that she may have relied too much on her natural look during the competition, Mokoni dismissed the criticism, saying authenticity has always been part of her identity.
“I’m a natural person throughout, whether there’s Miss Universe or not. I’m always me, natural, so if it felt like I’m relaxed, then too bad. I wasn’t relaxed and being natural doesn’t have anything to do with my results at Miss Universe. I did my best. The organisation didn’t see me fit to be Miss Universe, that’s why I didn’t get the crown,” she said.
She added that contestants must learn to accept outcomes in competitive environments.
“When you enter a competition, you should know that there will be a winner and loser. That’s just life, and you accept it and move on regardless of the result,” she said.
Among the queries was what she intended to do with a brand-new car gifted to her by Tamayi Motors, given that she is currently based outside Zimbabwe.
“I think I’ll leave the car with Tamayi Motors so they can probably rent it out to someone while I’m gone or take good care of it so that the next time I visit home, I can continue using it,” she said.
Beyond pageantry, Mokoni revealed that she is married and a mother of two boys.
She also addressed questions about whether she plans to relocate back to Zimbabwe in the future.
“I do come home often because home will always be home, but I have built a life outside my country and continent. I’m not sure if I would relocate home, but one thing I am sure of is that I will always visit, like I am doing now,” she said.
