FROM CHITOWN TO THE WORLD

Zimpapers Entertainment Hub

CHITUNGWIZA beauty Brunnette Makanyiso has left the country for Vietnam where she will take part at this year’s Miss World competition,

She is carrying the hopes of a nation eager to see another local model make her mark on the global stage.

Brunnette was given a warm send-off by her family, fans, Chitungwiza City Council officials, Miss World Zimbabwe board members and representatives from the corporate world.

The show of support reflected the pride surrounding her journey. Those who were present encouraged the Chitungwiza-born beauty to fly the Zimbabwean flag high and represent the country with confidence.

The beauty jetted out amid growing excitement among her fans.

Her departure marks the beginning of what promises to be one of the biggest international assignments of her modelling career.

Brunnette, who emerged as Miss World Zimbabwe 2026, says she is ready for the challenge and is determined to represent the country with both honour and pride.

“Zimbabwe. We are ready,” she said in her farewell message.

The beauty queen said she was travelling with more than luggage, describing the emotional weight of representing millions of Zimbabweans.

“I carry with me bags full of all our hopes and prayers,” she said.

Her words have struck a chord with fans who have followed her journey from the local pageant circuit to the international stage.

For Brunnette, the journey is not only about competing for a crown, but also about carrying the Zimbabwean identity into an international space.

She thanked Zimbabweans for the support she has received so far, saying the encouragement has given her strength.

“Thank you very much for the support thus far,” she said, signalling that she understands the responsibility that comes with wearing the national sash.

And now, she says, the waiting is over.

“The time has come,” Brunnette declared.

That confidence could prove important as she enters a highly competitive field featuring contestants from different parts of the world, each arriving with their own stories, causes, personalities and ambitions.

Brunnette enters the competition with several qualities that could make her a strong contender, including her experience in Zimbabwean pageantry, her ability to communicate and her growing confidence on major platforms.

Her biggest advantage, however, could be the story she carries with her.

Coming from Chitungwiza, a city known for producing talented musicians, athletes, creatives and personalities, Brunnette’s journey offers another reminder that international modelling success does not have to come from privileged backgrounds.

Her rise gives young Zimbabwean girls another reason to believe that the global stage is within reach.

The Miss World competition remains one of the world’s most recognised beauty pageants, combining fashion, public speaking, advocacy, talent and social-impact initiatives rather than focusing solely on physical appearance.

That makes Brunnette’s performance outside the traditional catwalk particularly important.

Contestants are expected to communicate their causes, connect with audiences and demonstrate qualities associated with the pageant’s broader “Beauty With A Purpose” philosophy.

As the models arrive, attention will turn to the early stages of competition, official appearances, challenges, cultural exchanges and the various opportunities contestants have to distinguish themselves.

Brunnette’s participation comes at a time when local models are increasingly refusing to remain confined to the domestic fashion and pageant scene.

Zimbabwean representatives have in recent years appeared at major international competitions, bringing greater visibility to the country’s modelling industry.

From pageants to fashion weeks, local models are increasingly using international platforms to tell Zimbabwean stories, showcase local creativity and demonstrate that the country has talent capable of competing beyond its borders.

Brunnette now joins that growing group.

Her journey is also a reminder that the country’s modelling industry is becoming increasingly ambitious.

The crown will ultimately go to only one contestant, but every appearance by a Zimbabwean model on an international platform expands the country’s visibility.

For the Chitungwiza girl, however, the mission is simple – make Zimbabwe proud.

She left home carrying what she described as “all our hopes and prayers”.