Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
FROM the streets of Manyame Park in Chitungwiza to the international spotlight in Vietnam, Miss World Zimbabwe Brunette Makanaka Makanyiso is proving that the journey to the global stage can begin anywhere.
Now on Day Nine of the Miss World 2026 adventure, the 26-year-old pharmacist is deep in the pressure cooker of this international beauty contest,
She is rubbing shoulders with more than 100 contestants while carrying the Zimbabwean flag, culture and hopes on her shoulders.
Vietnam is hosting the 75th-anniversary edition of the Miss World Festival, with the month-long programme running until September 5.
Brunette arrived ready for the challenge, and the pace has been relentless.
“It has been absolutely amazing so far. I’m really enjoying the food, the people and being able to experience a completely different culture,” she said.
“There’s so much to learn and I’ve really enjoyed interacting with the Vietnamese people and the other contestants from different parts of the world.”
The Miss World bootcamp has been anything but a holiday. The contestants have been moving from rehearsals and official engagements to fast-track competitions, cultural experiences and challenges, with Hai Phong among the early destinations.
More than 100 contestants took part in a week of activities, including talent auditions, the Top Model competition and a sports challenge.
For Brunette, the packed schedule has been a test of stamina, discipline and adaptability.
“The programme is actually very intense. There’s something happening almost every day, whether it’s rehearsals, official activities, visits or the fast-track events,” she said.
“We’ve had to learn choreography, prepare for different challenges and constantly be ready for the next activity.”
But, behind the glamour, gowns and cameras is a young Zimbabwean determined to remain herself.
One of the most striking features of Brunette’s appearance in Vietnam has been her natural Afro, which she regards as more than just a hairstyle.
“I usually wear my natural hair and I think the Afro is such a beautiful representation of who I am and where I come from,” she said.
“I’m definitely much more comfortable with my natural hair.”
The Vietnamese heat and humidity have also forced her to think about her styling.
“Being in Vietnam has also made me think practically about my hair because of the humidity and the heat,” she explained.
“For me, though, there’s something very special about wearing my natural hair. It’s comfortable, it’s authentic and it allows me to proudly represent African beauty.”
Brunette says modelling began as a personal challenge but eventually became a platform for something much bigger. “I started modelling because I wanted to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone,” she said.
“At first, it was really about discovering what I was capable of and becoming more confident in expressing myself.
“But along the way, I realised that modelling could also give me a platform to tell stories and represent something bigger than myself.”
And then there is Chitungwiza.
Brunette says the support from home has been one of the most emotional parts of her international journey. “The support from Chitungwiza has honestly been incredible,” she said.
Her supporters have gone beyond social media likes, with one even creating a website dedicated to following her Miss World journey, projects and activities. “That says so much about the kind of community Chitungwiza is,” she said.
“Even seeing people commenting, sharing my posts and constantly checking in to see how I’m doing reminds me that I’m not here alone.”
With the Miss World journey still unfolding, she knows the biggest battles are yet to come.
But for now, she is enjoying every moment — from the Vietnamese culture and food to the friendships, challenges and pressure of competing against some of the world’s most accomplished young women.
“I carry that [support] with me every time I step onto that stage,” she said.
For Chitungwiza, that is perhaps the sweetest part of the story. One of its daughters is thousands of kilometres away but she is making sure Zimbabwe is never far from the spotlight.
