Online Reporter
Melissa Mpofu
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Miss Universe Botswana 2026, Dabilo Debbie Moses, who is in Zimbabwe for the Miss Universe Zimbabwe grand finale, has urged African nations to unite in support of one another as the continent seeks to reclaim the Miss Universe crown.
Speaking ahead of the finale set for tonight at the Harare Hippodrome, Moses said her presence in Zimbabwe is part of a broader effort to support fellow African countries in identifying representatives capable of changing the continent’s fortunes on the global stage.
Africa last tasted victory at the Miss Universe pageant in 2019 when South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi won the coveted crown. Since then, no African country has managed to secure the title, a reality Moses believes can be changed through greater continental solidarity.
“Since 2019, Africa has not won the Miss Universe title again. The last winner from the continent was Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa,” said Moses.
“I believe the reason we are here as Botswana is to support our African sisters as we try to break the narrative that Africa is not deserving. Year after year, we put ourselves out there and give our best. It is important for us to attend each other’s finals and show the world that we are united.”
The 26-year-old Gaborone native, who previously held the title of Miss Supranational Botswana, said regional support among beauty queens extends beyond pageantry and helps foster meaningful relationships before international competitions.
“We need to support each other as models so that by the time we get to Miss Universe, we have already built relationships. We should also invite one another to our community projects and collaborate on initiatives that make a difference in our respective countries,” she said.
Moses also shared words of encouragement for the 18 contestants vying for the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 crown, urging them to remain true to themselves throughout the competition.
“I’m expecting the ladies to be authentic because nothing sells better and demonstrates who you truly are more than being yourself. I also encourage them to remain humble,” she said.
The Botswana beauty queen joins a growing list of regional pageant titleholders and delegates who have travelled to Zimbabwe to witness the crowning of the country’s next representative at the Miss Universe competition.
derick.khumalo