Online Reporter
BRUNETTE Makanyiso is attracting a lot of attention among the 18 beauty queens shortlisted for the Miss Universe Zimbabwe pageant.
She is being hailed as a young woman who is determined to break barriers and represent her community with pride.
Coming from Chitungwiza, a town often associated with various challenges, including overcrowding, Brunette’s journey into the national beauty spotlight is proof that talent and determination can flourish from anywhere.
Her inclusion among the Top 18 finalists for the Miss Universe Zimbabwe competition has already placed her in an elite class of young women who are carrying the hopes of many aspiring models and beauty queens across the country.
In many ways, her success is bigger than just beauty.
It is about representation, confidence and the belief that young women from places like Chitungwiza deserve to dream just as boldly as anyone else. Beauty pageants have evolved over the years.
Gone are the days when contestants were judged solely on physical appearance. Today’s queens are expected to be intelligent, socially aware, disciplined and influential.
Modern pageantry is about communication skills, leadership and the ability to inspire communities.
This is why Brunette’s achievement deserves recognition and celebration. For many young girls in Chitungwiza, seeing one of their own competing on a national stage, sends a powerful message.
It tells them that they should never allow their background to limit their ambitions.
Chitungwiza has produced musicians, footballers, entrepreneurs and entertainers who have excelled nationally and internationally.
Now, beauty queens are also stepping into the spotlight and proving that the town has immense potential. Zimbabwe’s modelling and pageantry industry can also benefit greatly from contestants like Brunette because they bring diversity, fresh energy and authenticity.
The country’s beauty contests need representatives from all corners of Zimbabwe in order to truly reflect the nation’s beauty and culture.
The fact that the Miss Universe Zimbabwe finalists include women from different cities and even the diaspora shows how broad and competitive the contest has become.
However, with recognition also comes pressure.
Social media can be cruel and unforgiving, especially toward young women in the public eye.
Beauty queens are often subjected to unnecessary criticism about their looks, speech, skin tone or background.
As Zimbabweans, we must learn to encourage and uplift our young talents instead of tearing them down.
Brunette should therefore remain focused, disciplined and humble as she continues her journey.
Competitions like Miss Universe Zimbabwe are not just about winning the crown.
They are about building networks, gaining exposure, learning leadership skills and opening doors for future opportunities in business, media, fashion and philanthropy.
At the same time, sponsors and organisers of beauty pageants in Zimbabwe must continue investing in young women and creating platforms where talent can thrive professionally.
The modelling industry has enormous potential to empower women economically while also promoting tourism, fashion and culture.
The story of Brunette is ultimately about hope and aspiration.
Whether she wins the crown or not, she has already achieved something important by placing Chitungwiza on the national beauty map.
